Description
This Brown Sugar Maple Pecan Cookie Pie is a decadent dessert combining the rich flavors of toasted pecans, warm brown sugar, buttery maple syrup, and a hint of bourbon, all baked into a buttery pie crust with melty chocolate chunks. The pie offers a crispy toasted nut topping with a soft, gooey center, perfect for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts and Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups raw pecans
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Flaky sea salt (to taste)
Pie Crust
- 1 pie crust round (for 8-inch pie plate)
- 1 egg (beaten for brushing crust edges)
- Vanilla sugar or coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Filling
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Parchment: Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for toasting pecans.
- Simmer Pecans in Syrup and Bourbon: In a pot over medium heat, combine pecans, maple syrup, and bourbon (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors. Remove from heat and strain pecans away from syrup onto the prepared baking sheet. Reserve syrup for the filling.
- Toast Pecans: Toss the pecans with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Bake for 10 minutes until toasted and fragrant. Remove from oven, sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt if desired, let cool, then lightly chop the pecans.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Fit the pie crust into an 8-inch pie plate. Brush the crust edges with the beaten egg and sprinkle with vanilla or coarse sugar. Lightly prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Freeze the crust for 10 minutes to set.
- Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the salted butter until it begins to brown and nutty aroma develops (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Filling Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 egg yolk until smooth and well combined. Add 1/3 cup of the reserved maple syrup mixture, heavy cream, browned butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans and chocolate chips or chunks.
- Assemble and Bake the Pie: Pour the filling mixture into the prepared crust. Bake for 55-60 minutes until the pie is puffed on top but still slightly wiggly in the center. Baking longer will set the pie more firmly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 20-30 minutes. Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- You can omit bourbon for a non-alcoholic version without sacrificing much flavor.
- Freezing the crust before baking helps prevent shrinkage and sogginess.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup after toasting pecans.
- The pie is best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
- Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brown sugar, maple syrup, pecan pie, cookie pie, bourbon, chocolate, toasted pecans, dessert, autumn, holiday pie
