Bourbon Apple Pie
A warm, spiced apple pie infused with bourbon and apricot liqueur, featuring a flaky pastry crust and toasted nuts, perfect for cozy gatherings and dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- Dough for 9-inch 2-crust pie ⓘ
- 3/4 to 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 6 to 7 cups peeled and cored pippin or green apples, sliced 1/4-inch thick ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons apricot brandy or orange liqueur
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- Milk as needed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
- Mix peeled and cored apples with bourbon.
- Add sugar mixture, toasted pecans, and plumped raisins to the apples and mix well.
- Line a greased 9-inch pie plate with pastry crust.
- Paint the bottom of the crust with apricot glaze made from apricot preserves and 4 tablespoons apricot brandy or orange liqueur.
- Heap the apple mixture into the pastry-lined pie plate.
- Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the remaining pastry and place it on top of the apples.
- Flute the edges and cut vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top crust with milk and dust with sugar.
- Bake in the lower third of the oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the crust is browned and apples are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter pie, adjust the sugar towards the higher end of the range. If you prefer a thicker filling, increase the flour slightly. Mixing different types of apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, can enhance the flavor complexity. Consider using a store-bought pie crust for convenience, or try making your own for a homemade touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bourbon apple pie warm, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It pairs beautifully with a glass of bourbon or spiced cider. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it alongside Cran-Apple Muffins for a delicious spread that highlights seasonal flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover bourbon apple pie can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place slices in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For a delightful twist, enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bourbon Apple Pie contains roughly 320 calories, with 8g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 883mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
Yes, you can substitute bourbon with other spirits such as rum or brandy. Each will impart a different flavor profile to the pie. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, replace the bourbon with apple juice or a splash of vanilla extract for added sweetness and aroma.
What type of apples are best for this pie?
Pippin or green apples are excellent choices due to their tartness and firm texture. You can also mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for added flavor complexity. Avoid apples that turn mushy when baked, such as McIntosh, to ensure a pleasant texture in your pie.
How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, consider pre-baking the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling. Additionally, using a glaze made from apricot preserves and brandy helps create a barrier. Make sure to cut vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).