Pecan Pie is an American Classic and my Bourbon Pecan Pie with a Chocolate Ganache takes this classic recipe to a whole other level of deliciousness!
There is something magical about pecan pie, with versions passed down through generations of families throughout the south. Perfect for the fall season and anytime you crave a taste of the south.
Most people think of pecan pie at Thanksgiving. The peak harvesting season for pecans is from October through December which made pecans readily available throughout the south. And that is why you think of pecan pie at Thanksgiving time.
What ingredients do I need to make a Bourbon Pecan Pie?
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Bourbon Pecan Pie with Chocolate Ganache. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.
Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.
Do I have to use the chocolate topping on my Pecan Pie?
No, you don’t. I love the way the chocolate ganache pairs so well with the pecans, but if you’re not a chocolate fan, feel free to leave it off the pecan pie.
Do I have to use Bourbon in my Pecan Pie?
No, you don’t. If you prefer a non-alcoholic pie or simply don’t have bourbon on hand, you can replace it with additional vanilla.
How do I make a Bourbon Pecan Pie?
Let’s start by making the sweet pie dough for the pie.
*Whenever I make pie dough I always make two pie doughs at a time, freezing one for another pie. So what you see is double the recipe.
- Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse 3 times to mix.
- Add the cold butter pieces and pulse at one-second intervals until the butter is mixed in
- Add the eggs (or egg if you’re only making one dough) and pulse until the dough forms a ball on the blade of the processor.
- Turn the dough out of the food processor onto a floured surface, and carefully remove the blade.
- Divide the dough in half and flatten into two discs. (if you you’re only making half the recipe you will have one disc)
*Use immediately or wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to six weeks for future use.
- On a floured surface roll out the pastry dough with a rolling pin. (Roll out the dough about 1 ยฝ inches bigger all the way around than a 9-inch pie plate inverted)
- Roll the dough back onto the rolling pin and transfer to the pie pan.
- Place the dough in the pan, and decorate the edges as you like.
- Refrigerate the finished pie crust until needed.
Now we can begin making the Pecan Pie filling.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer beat the eggs slightly.
- Add the corn syrup, sugars, salt, butter, bourbon, and vanilla, mix well.
- Add in chopped pecans and mix well.
Pour the pecan pie mixture into the prepared crust and bake on the center rack of a preheated 350-degree oven for 60 minutes. Let the pie cool on a wire rack.
*Place a cookie sheet under the pan in case any of the filling bubbles out.
How do I make a Chocolate Ganache topping?
While the pie is baking, make the chocolate ganache.
- Place the chocolate and heavy cream in a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water, creating a double boiler.
- Mix the chocolate mixture until smooth and allow to cool slightly.
When the pie is done baking, allow it to cool for 30 minutes before topping with chocolate ganache and pecan halves.
*Refrigerate the finished Bourbon Pecan Pie for an hour to allow it to fully set up.
Wouldn’t your friends and family love to sit down to a slice of this decadent Bourbon Pecan Pie? It’s not difficult to make following my instructions and is sure to bring smiles to your dinner table!
Sandra
I, like you don’t stray too far from our traditional holiday meals. I think there’d be a mutiny in the house if I did. However, the fam doesn’t mind me adding new desserts as long as I include the standards. The ganache on this pie is on point Chef, love it and saving it.
Elin
Chef Dennis….whoa this is sinfully rich chocolatey pecan pie ! But who cares…eat first and worry later….LOL! Beautiful and I am drooling all over the keyboard ๐ Hope you have a great week and I was hoping you will bake a cranberry pie …and my hope was dashed when you mention Lisa doesn’t eat cranberry :p I bought 3 packets of fresh ones …hahaha so for me will be cranberry cake, muffin and cupcakes and pie and crumbles for the next few months :)))
Have a great day and thank you for this delicious pie…I have slurrp a piece off from the screen ๐
Regards,
Elin
Kim Bee
This is a wonderful pie. I love the design you put on the top. So cute. I am starting to feel like I should celebrate the American Thanksgiving. I know I already had my Canuck version but you are making me want it all over again. Hope you have a lovely week.
Baker Street
Beautiful! What a gorgeous kickstart to the thanksgiving countdown! The ganache is to die for!
Erin
I will be making this!! I will make the crust gluten-free, but I can keep the filling exactly the same. This looks amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Miriam @ Overtime Cook
This looks amazing! I absolutely love the sound of a bourbon pecan pie- I am going to make this as a treat for my dad- he loves pecan pie and loves a good bourbon!
Terra
So gorgeous! I have had chocolate pecan pie, and pecan pie, but never like this! This seriously looks sooooo good. I love how thick the ganache layer is! Time change is not easy on the body, I lived in Tucson for 15 years, but I am from Michigan. So traveling was always interesting. You just get your body on a good level, then you head home from a vacation. Jet lag just wears me out, LOL! Glad you had so much fun at the Foodbuzz conference. Congrats on winning an award too! Hugs, Terra
elesa
Well I made this pie and it was awesome! The measurements are all right on as were the directions so I will definitely keep the recipe. I was leary about making pastry in a food processor but it turned out and I was happy with the results. The pastry suited the filling well and I will continue to use it when I make the pie in the future. Great job chef Dennis. You have a new fan.
Chef Dennis Littley
happy to hear it worked well for you Elesa!
Boulder Locavore
Perfect kick off to the Thankgiving countdown! The pie looks serious. I love the tell tale pecan texture underneath the ganache. I can imagine the flavors to be rich and lush. The perfect thing to knock one out at the end of the big meal. Beautiful!
Foodiewife
It was nice to meet you, out on the deck, at the Taste Pavilion at Foodbuzz. Pecan Pie is good, but not my favorite…that’s only because sometimes it’s just too sweet for me. That said, you kicked it up several more notches with the ganache. I’d happy eat a slice of that pie!
Curt
A beautiful beautiful pie! Such awesome photos too!
Kiri W.
That thick ganache just makes me swoon!
Hyosun Ro
That is one good looking pie! I always liked pecan pie, but the addition of ganache and bourbon makes it completely irresistible. Adding this to my pie list for Thanksgiving. Thank you, Chef!
Daydreamer Desserts
Loved the your twist on Pecan Pie Chef. That chocolate ganache just took it up to a whole new level for me, well done!
Anne@frommysweetheart
What a beautiful pie. Pecan pie is always a classic tradition in my house. But I love the thought of changing it up a bit with a kick of bourbon and that delicious chocolate ganache! : )
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time
Wow, now that’s a pie. I would be giving the ganache layer to a family member, but I’d dig in with gusto on the rest of it.
It’s looking like we’re going to have a quiet Thanksgiving dinner so I’ll be able to mix things up a bit, especially since I can’t make my mother-in-law’s stuffing properly. Why even try? I’ll just make something totally different.
I think this would make Hubby happy to have for dessert though. The bourbon alone would bring about an ear-to-ear smile. Thanks for sharing!