Pecan Pie in a Jar (with Bourbon)
This Pecan Pie in a Jar is not only easier to make than the original recipe, but it’s quicker, delicious, and best of all, has a perfect kick of bourbon to it!
If you’re bored of the traditional Pecan Pie and are looking for something original and simple, this recipe is just for you!
It’s the perfect dessert for the holiday season.
Why you’ll love these little pecan pies
- This Pecan Pie in a Jar (with Bourbon) is made in only 20 minutes!
- There’s no need to use the oven
- It’s presented as individual servings, which makes it the perfect way to serve in larger gatherings
- It’s made with bourbon, which gives a luxurious flavor and a perfect festive vibe
- It makes for the perfect homemade holiday gift and hostess gift
- It’s unexpected and original; there’s no pie dough, but graham crackers instead
Ingredients you’ll need for this homemade pecan pie
To make this delicious pie you’ll need ingredients found in any big grocery store:
- Graham Crackers. They will be used as the base of your pie, instead of a pie crust, which makes it convenient, and a no-bake dessert
- Butter. Used for the pie filling. Unsalted butter is used
- Light brown sugar. Packed
- Pure maple syrup: Good quality maple syrup makes a difference in flavor
- Heavy whipping cream. Used for the pie filling and as a topping
- Bourbon. You don’t have to use the best bourbon out there! any cheap version will do
- Salt. Enhances flavors
- Vanilla extract. Better quality equals better flavor!
- Pecans. The star of the show!
- White sugar. Sweetens the whipped topping
How to make these individual pecan pies
For the first layer, mix the melted butter and graham crackers in a food processor, until it resembles wet sand. Set aside.
Next, make the pecan pie filling. In a medium size sauce pan, heat the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream and bourbon, in medium-low heat for 5 to 6 minutes, mixing constantly with a wooden spoon. Mixture will start to bubble, and then it will start to look foamy and start to thicken. It should be thick enough to stick to the back of your spoon and have an amber color to it.
Remove your syrup mixture from the heat and add salt, vanilla extract and the 3 cups pecan halves, and mix until pecans are fully coated. Let cool before assembling.
In the meantime, make the whipped topping. Using a whisk attachment, mix the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla, until stiff peaks form
Using small jars, (I used 100 milliliter/3.4 ounces jars) start to assemble your delicious pecan pie. Place a layer of graham cracker mixture, then add a layer of pecan pie filling, and top with whipped cream just before serving. I love serving these either at room temperature or slightly warm
Expert tips
- Don’t let your syrup mixture boil for too long, or it may crystalize when cooled
- When making the whipped cream, freeze your metal bowl and whisk attachment for a quicker whipping process
- Try your filling mixture -when it’s not scorching hot!- and decide if you want to add more alcohol or not. Remember that the alcohol flavor won’t taste as strong when eating it combined with the graham cracker crumbs and the whipped cream
Add-ins for Pecan Pie in a Jar
- Add some chocolate chips in the cooled mixture for a mini chocolate pecan pie
- Substitute the Bourbon for Cognac and find out how the flavors of your dessert change! (both of them taste amazing!). You can also omit the alcohol if you prefer.
- Serve it with vanilla ice cream instead of whipped cream
- Substitute the butter for brown butter and make a brown butter pecan pie
- Add a tablespoon cacao powder to the filling for chocolate pecan pies
How to store your leftover jars
Store any leftover dessert covered and in the refrigerator for 3 days.
I like to heat it a few seconds in the microwave, and then add the whipped cream on top before serving
Take a look at this video of this Pecan Pie in a Jar Recipe so you can see how quickly these little pies are made!
Take a look at the links below for more desserts in a jar, or click here for more thanksgiving desserts. or here for more Christmas desserts.
Chocolate Raspberry brownie Cheesecake Parfait
Goat Cheese Cheesecake parfait with Honey roasted grapes
Easy no bake Apple Cheesecake Parfait
No bake White Chocolate Cheesecake with Strawberries
If you make this recipe, be sure to give it a star rating and leave a comment!
Pecan Pie in a Jar (with Bourbon)
Equipment
- 8 100 milliliter/3.4 ounces jars
Ingredients
Graham Cracker layer
- 2 sleeves graham crackers 270 g / 9.5 oz
- 11 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Pecan filling
- 1/2 Cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 Cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 Cup pure maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 3 Tablespoons bourbon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 Cups pecan halves
Whipped topping
- 1 Cup heavy whipping cream chilled
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- For the first layer, mix the melted butter and graham crackers in a food processor, until it resembles wet sand. Set aside.2 sleeves graham crackers, 11 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- Next, make the pecan pie filling. In a medium size sauce pan, heat the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream and bourbon, in medium-low heat for 5 to 6 minutes, mixing constantly with a wooden spoon. Mixture will start to bubble, and then it will start to look foamy and start to thicken. It should be thick enough to stick to the back of your spoon and have an amber color to it.1/2 Cup unsalted butter, 1/2 Cup light brown sugar, 1/4 Cup pure maple syrup, 2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream, 3 Tablespoons bourbon
- Remove your syrup mixture from the heat and add salt, vanilla extract and the 3 cups pecan halves, and mix until pecans are fully coated. Let cool before assembling.1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 Cups pecan halves
- In the meantime, make the whipped topping. Using a whisk attachment, mix the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla, until stiff peaks form1 Cup heavy whipping cream, 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Using small jars, (I used 100 milliliter/3.4 ounces jars) start to assemble your delicious pecan pie. Place a layer of graham cracker mixture, then add a layer of pecan pie filling, and top with whipped cream just before serving. I love serving these either at room temperature or slightly warm
Video
Notes
Expert tips
- Don’t let your syrup mixture boil for too long, or it may crystalize when cooled
- When making the whipped cream, freeze your metal bowl and whisk attachment for a quicker whipping process
- Try your filling mixture -when it’s not scorching hot!- and decide if you want to add more alcohol or not. Remember that the alcohol flavor won’t taste as strong when eating it combined with the graham cracker crumbs and the whipped cream