Bourbon Apple Pie

Bourbon Apple Pie is a sophisticated twist to the classic dessert, made with bourbon-infused apples in a flaky, golden crust. Enjoy a slice of this pie, and you’ll savor the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and warm flavors with every bite! I also have a Classic Apple Pie for those looking for a tried and true apple pie recipe.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Apples: Granny Smith apples are a good choice when baking apple pies. They have a tart taste and hold up well when baked. You could also experiment with other kinds of apples like Braeburn, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. Or, try a combination of a few varieties.

Bourbon: Use your favorite brand of bourbon, or what you have on hand, as the flavors will come through in the pie. A standard bourbon like Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Woodford Reserve can be a great choice, but there are also plenty of budget-friendly bourbons to choose from, too.

Crust: For this recipe and all of your pie recipes, try my no-fail pie crust! It will be your go-to crust and the recipe is the perfect amount for a bottom and top crust. Of course, you can also use a package of store-bought pie crusts, which come with two pie crusts.

Can I Make Bourbon Apple Pie Without Alcohol?

Yes, there are a few nonalcoholic options you could use in place of bourbon in this apple pie. Substitute a tablespoon of bourbon extract for the 1/4 cup bourbon. You can find it online or at specialty stores. Vanilla extract could also be used to add depth and warmth to the pie filling. Or, replace the bourbon with apple cider or apple juice. While it won’t replicate the exact complexity of bourbon, it will add a fruity sweetness and enhance the apple flavor.

How To Make A Lattice Crust

If you want to take the venting of the top pie crust a little further with more detail, create a lattice pie crust. The open areas from the latticework allow any excess moisture to evaporate, which keeps the apple pie filling from becoming soupy. To create a lattice crust:

1. Set out an 18-inch piece of parchment paper and roll out the second pie crust to a 14-inch circle, about ⅛-inch thick. Using a pizza cutter, slice into 2 to 2 ½-inch strips.
2. Cover the pie filling with a latticework crust by arranging half the strips over the pie, in parallel lines, leaving space in between.
3. Fold every other strip up to about the mid-line of the pie. Lay another strip over the middle of the pie, perpendicular to the others. Fold the parallel strips back down, then fold up all the other strips. Lay another perpendicular strip down, and repeat until all the strips have been used.
4. Trim any excess dough and press to adhere to the bottom crust. Using a fork, crimp the edge of the pie to seal.

If you do use the traditional top, be sure to cut a few slits in the top crust to vent steam.

Can I Make Bourbon Apple Pie Ahead Of Time?

There are a few ways you can get a head start on making Bourbon apple pie. One way is to get the pie crust made (if making a homemade crust). And, you could also mix together the apple pie filling and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 3-4 days. Or, if you get the pie fully baked, store it. When ready to serve, warm it up in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 350°F.

How To Store Bourbon Apple Pie

Bourbon Apple Pie can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days. You could also store it, loosely covered, in the refrigerator for the same amount of time, but that may affect the texture and result in a soggy crust. If freezing the pie, first, let it cool completely. Then, wrap the pie in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.