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Bourbon Pecan Pie with Chocolate Ganache

Published: Nov 13, 2021 by Chef Dennis Littley

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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!

side view of a slice of pecan pie on a white plate


 

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.

overhead partial view of pecan pie

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.

Table of Contents:
  • What ingredients do I need to make a Bourbon Pecan Pie?
  • Do I have to use the chocolate topping on my Pecan Pie?
  • Do I have to use Bourbon in my Pecan Pie?
  • How do I make a Bourbon Pecan Pie?
  • Now we can begin making the Pecan Pie filling.
  • How do I make a Chocolate Ganache topping?
  • More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love!
  • Recipe: Bourbon Pecan Pie with Chocolate Ganache

What ingredients do I need to make a Bourbon Pecan Pie?

ingredients to make 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.

four images showing how to make pie crust
  • 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
four images showing how to make pie crust
  • 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.

two images showing finished dough rolled out and in pie pan
  • On a floured surface roll out the pastry dough with a rolling pin. (Roll out the dough about 1 ½ 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.

four images showing how to make 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.
two images, one of pie unbaked and one of baked pecan pie

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.

two images showing how to 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.
overhead view of whole pecan pie

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.

slice of pecan pie on a white plate with more in the background

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!

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slice of pecan pie on a white plate with more in the background

Bourbon Pecan Pie with Chocolate Ganache

Chef Dennis Littley
Your friends and family are going to love my Bourbon Pecan Pie. My version of this Southern is sure to please. With the light taste of bourbon in the pie filling and the chocolate ganache, this pie is simply ah-mazing!
4.95 from 35 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 649 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Sweet Pastry Dough*

  • 1 cups all purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ⅕ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter cut into small pieces (½ stick)
  • 1 large egg

Pie

  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter melted (¼ stick)
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups chopped pecans 6 oz dry wieght

Chocolate Ganache

  • 3 oz semi sweet chocolate
  • 2 oz heavy cream
  • 36 pecan halves for decoration

Instructions
 

Sweet Pastry Dough

  • 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 egg 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.
  • Flatten the dough into a 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.

Pecan Pie

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
  • On a floured surface roll out the pastry dough with a rolling pin. (Roll out the dough about 1 ½ 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, then place the dough in the pie pan, and decorate the edges as you like.
  • Refrigerate the finished pie crust until needed.
  • 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 when finished baking.
    *Place a cookie sheet under the pan in case any of the filling bubbles out.

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 for an hour to allow it to fully set up.
  • Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

Notes

*I always make two doughs, even if I freeze one for later, it’s just as easy to make a full batch and then I have a dough for later.
**Crust may get too dark, cover edges of pie dough with foil to prevent it from burning.

Nutrition

Calories: 649kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 9gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 158mgSodium: 285mgPotassium: 266mgFiber: 4gSugar: 55gVitamin A: 569IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!

Comments

    4.95 from 35 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Tirrill says

    November 20, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    Everyone in the “South” loves pee-can pie.
    One question: Can the pecans be toasted before chopping, so as to add a smokiness to the bourbon?

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      November 20, 2021 at 2:19 pm

      you sure can.

      Reply
  2. Linda says

    November 19, 2021 at 6:47 pm

    5 stars
    Love this pie. I mean who can say no to bourbon and chocolate. Plus, it was perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

    Reply
  3. Liz says

    November 16, 2021 at 4:56 pm

    5 stars
    I am much more of a pecan pie eater for the holiday season. This recipe sounds delicious!

    Reply
  4. Kathryn says

    November 16, 2021 at 9:40 am

    5 stars
    This is the perfect pie for the holidays! Love the chocolate and bourbon in this pie! It was so easy and we all loved the flavor, will be making this again next week! Thanks!

    Reply
  5. Lauren Michael Harris says

    November 16, 2021 at 8:57 am

    5 stars
    This chocolate pecan pie looks absolutely heavenly. I think I must try it this Thanksgiving for sure!

    Reply
  6. Gloria says

    November 15, 2021 at 11:03 am

    5 stars
    This pie was so delicious, it was a sweet tooth fantasy dessert! It will be a hit with the guests this holiday season.

    Reply
  7. Kayla DiMaggio says

    November 15, 2021 at 7:44 am

    5 stars
    This bourbon pecan pie was amazing! I loved all the flavors and especially that note of bourbon at the end of each bite!

    Reply
  8. Freya says

    November 15, 2021 at 2:13 am

    5 stars
    This pecan pie was absolutely scrumptious, and you cannot go wrong with these perfect flavours!

    Reply
  9. Alexandra says

    November 15, 2021 at 2:05 am

    5 stars
    Your pecan pie was an incredibly delicious dessert – perfect for entertaining and sharing with loved ones.

    Reply
  10. Andrea White says

    November 15, 2021 at 12:37 am

    5 stars
    Your pecan pie was an absolute treat, so tasty and delicious. the perfect sweet treat!

    Reply
  11. Jean says

    November 14, 2021 at 10:16 pm

    5 stars
    The addition of bourbon was amazing, looking forward to serving this again these Holidays.

    Reply
  12. Rene Miller says

    January 20, 2016 at 1:53 am

    I will be making that pecan pie with the chocolate ganache tomorrow for my birthday cake. Since I never get one made for me anymore. Thank you so much for sharing this elegant dessert. If you ever decide to design a Rack of Lamb, I will be waiting. I’ve only had a good one once at a small order ahead ma and pa tiny little kitchen that served ten tables in an evening for 2 evenings a week. Very quiet with great wine list. Portland Oregon

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      January 20, 2016 at 9:23 am

      I hope you have a very Happy Birthday Rene! It’s the same with me, if I want a cake I have to make it. I’ve cooked rack of lamb many time but don’t have it on my blog. My wife doesn’t eat lamb (which is why it rarely makes it onto the pages) but its a great suggestion. I’ll add it into the mix.

      Reply
  13. Paula says

    December 14, 2012 at 8:56 pm

    Pecan pie is one of my favorites! The addition of the chocolate looks outrageously delicious!!!

    Reply
  14. Evan Thomas says

    January 02, 2012 at 7:50 pm

    Oh my goodness. This looks incredible! Great recipe. Chocolate and pecans need to make an appearance more often than just the holidays

    Reply
  15. Christine says

    November 20, 2011 at 3:06 am

    Hey Foodies, Chef Dennis’s Pie recipe has been selected by Knapkins in our Recipe Guessing Game. Invite fans to play: http://knapkins.com/guess_games/714?source=blog

    Reply
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My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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