Bourbon Street Pecan Praline Pie

Bourbon Street Pecan Praline Pie Recipe - Authentic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

The Bourbon Street Pecan Praline Pie is a decadent dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavors of pecans with the smooth, sweet taste of bourbon and marshmallow. This pie is a tribute to the vibrant culinary culture of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, known for its unique and flavorful dishes. The combination of toasted pecans, creamy filling, and a crunchy graham cracker crust makes this pie a delightful treat for any occasion.

History

The recipe for Bourbon Street Pecan Praline Pie is inspired by the traditional Southern pecan pralines, a staple in New Orleans cuisine. Pecan pralines were originally brought to Louisiana by French settlers in the 18th century, who adapted their recipes to use the local pecan nuts. Over time, the recipe evolved, incorporating local ingredients like bourbon, to create the unique flavor profile that defines this pie.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of packed brown sugar
2 tbsp of butter
3 tbsp of water
0.25 tsp of salt
1 beaten egg yolk
1 cup of coarsely chopped toasted pecans
1 package (8 oz / 227 g) of softened cream cheese
1 jar (7 oz / 198 g) of marshmallow creme
2 tbsp of bourbon
3 cups of whipped topping
1 graham cracker crumb crust (9 inches)

How to prepare

In a heavy 1 qt (946 ml) saucepan, combine sugar, butter, 1 tbsp of water, and salt.
Cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Stir a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolk; then return it to the hot mixture.
Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat.
Stir in pecans.
Spread the mixture onto a 9-inch cookie sheet and let it cool.
Break into bite-sized pieces.
Combine cream cheese and marshmallow creme, mixing at medium speed on an electric mixer until well blended.
Blend in bourbon and the remaining 2 tbsp of water.
Reserve 0.5 cup of praline pieces, then fold the remaining pieces and whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
Spoon the mixture into the crust and top with the reserved praline pieces.
Freeze until firm.

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute the whipped topping with a low-fat or fat-free version and use a reduced-fat cream cheese. To make the pie alcohol-free, omit the bourbon or replace it with a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results when making this pie, toast the pecans before chopping to enhance their flavor. When combining the hot sugar mixture with the egg yolk, temper the egg by adding a small amount of the hot mixture gradually to avoid cooking the egg. For a smoother cream cheese mixture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Lastly, for a firmer pie, freeze it for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pie chilled or slightly thawed for a creamy texture. Garnish with additional whipped topping and a sprinkle of toasted pecan pieces for an elegant presentation.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe include toasting pecans to enhance their flavor, tempering the egg yolk to prevent curdling, and folding ingredients gently to maintain a light, airy texture in the filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

If bourbon is not available, whiskey or rum can be used as substitutes. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free graham cracker crust. Maple syrup or honey can replace brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This pie can be made ahead and frozen for up to a month. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.

Presentation Ideas

For an attractive presentation, drizzle caramel sauce over the pie and garnish with whole pecans and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve each slice on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this rich and sweet pie with a strong coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness. For a dessert wine pairing, choose a Sauternes or a late harvest Riesling that complements the nutty and bourbon flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover pie in the freezer, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. To serve again, thaw in the refrigerator for several hours. This pie is best enjoyed cold or at a slightly thawed consistency for a creamy texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Bourbon Street Pecan Praline Pie contains approximately 350 calories. The calories are derived from the combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the ingredients.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Bourbon Street Pecan Praline Pie contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the brown sugar, marshmallow creme, and graham cracker crust.

Fats

This pie is rich in fats, with each serving providing about 22 grams of fat. The fats primarily come from the pecans, butter, and whipped topping. Pecans are a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

Proteins

Each serving of the pie contains approximately 4 grams of protein. The protein in this dessert comes from the egg yolk and cream cheese, providing a small but valuable contribution to the overall nutritional profile.

Vitamins and minerals

The pie provides a range of vitamins and minerals, including calcium from the cream cheese and whipped topping, vitamin E from the pecans, and small amounts of iron and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as nuts (pecans), dairy (butter, cream cheese, whipped topping), eggs, and gluten (graham cracker crust). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this dessert or seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Bourbon Street Pecan Praline Pie is a high-calorie, indulgent dessert that offers a good balance of flavors and textures. While it is rich in fats and sugars, it also provides some beneficial nutrients from the pecans and dairy ingredients.

Summary

The Bourbon Street Pecan Praline Pie is a luxurious dessert that captures the essence of New Orleans' culinary tradition. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and crunchy crust, it's a delightful treat for any occasion. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize the pie to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I was at a friend's house for a barbecue. As we sat around the table enjoying our meal, my friend's mother brought out a beautiful pecan pie that she had made for dessert. The aroma of toasted pecans and sweet caramel filled the room, and I knew I had to have the recipe.

When I asked my friend's mother where she had learned to make such a delicious pie, she smiled and told me that she had picked it up during a trip to New Orleans many years ago. She explained that the recipe was for a Bourbon Street Pecan Praline Pie, a specialty dessert that was a favorite among the locals. Intrigued, I begged her to share the recipe with me, and she gladly obliged.

As soon as I got home, I set to work on making my own Bourbon Street Pecan Praline Pie. The recipe was surprisingly simple, with just a few basic ingredients: pecans, brown sugar, butter, eggs, and a splash of bourbon for that extra kick. I carefully followed the instructions, toasting the pecans to bring out their rich flavor and caramelizing the brown sugar to create a sweet and gooey filling.

When the pie was finally done baking, I couldn't wait to try it. The first bite was pure heaven - the crunchy pecans, the sticky caramel, and the hint of bourbon all combined to create a truly decadent dessert. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own collection.

Over the years, I have made the Bourbon Street Pecan Praline Pie many times, each time tweaking the recipe to make it my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who always rave about its deliciousness. I have even entered it in a few baking contests, where it has won me several blue ribbons and accolades.

But the best part about this recipe is the memories it brings back of that warm summer day at my friend's house. Every time I make the Bourbon Street Pecan Praline Pie, I am transported back to that moment when I first tasted it and fell in love with its flavors.

So here's to the Bourbon Street Pecan Praline Pie - a recipe that has brought me joy, accolades, and a connection to a place I have never been. It may have originated in New Orleans, but it has found a forever home in my kitchen and in the hearts of all who have had the pleasure of tasting it.