Bourbon Pumpkin Tart
I know I already posted my Thanksgiving recipe ideas, but I couldn’t resist adding one more dessert to that list. I made this pumpkin tart over the weekend, and it was too good not to share before Thursday. This tart is like pumpkin pie’s more sophisticated older sibling. The filling to crust ratio is much better than standard pumpkin pie, and this one has bourbon. Automatic win. Pumpkin pie really doesn’t stand a chance next to this tart.
This recipe is about as simple as a dessert can be, and you can even make the tart dough ahead of time to cut down on day-of prep. You don’t even need a stand mixer for the filling, just a bowl and a whisk. The texture is similar to pumpkin pie, but the flavor is a step above. The spices add all the flavors you would expect from a fall dessert, and the bourbon adds a hint of something special. I’m not sure I’d be able to recognize it as bourbon if I hadn’t put it in there myself, but it definitely adds a distinguishing flavor. I was a bit hesitant to add the full half-teaspoon of cloves since I’m not a huge clove fan, but I followed the recipe and am so glad I did. The amount of spice in this tart is simply perfect and only helps to elevate the pumpkin flavor. If you really want to take this over the top, make whipped cream with a splash of bourbon and pipe it around the borders (just don’t make the mistake I did and pipe it while the tart is still warm). So, to recap, we’ve got bourbon and pumpkin, two things that are practically a necessity for family holiday gatherings (at least in my family). Replace your pumpkin pie with this tart for Thanksgiving, and I promise everyone will be thanking you.
- YIELD: 45-50 minutes
For the crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup sugar
⅔ cup (11 tablespoons) chilled unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup chilled heavy whipping cream (plus more as needed)
For the filling:
1 15-ounce can of pure pumpkin
3 large eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup firmly packed, dark-brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup bourbon
Freshly whipped cream, for serving (optional)
- 1
To make the crust, combine the flour, salt and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed for about 1½ minutes, until the mixture looks crumbly with small, pea-sized pieces of butter throughout. Whisk together the egg and the cream, then add to the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, and then continue mixing for about 10 more seconds. If the dough is too dry to form a ball, add more cream, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture comes together. Gently mold the dough into a disc and wrap tightly in plastic. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
- 2
When ready to make the tart, generously flour a large surface. Roll the dough into a circle about ⅛-inch thick, fold over the rolling pin and transfer to a 10-inch tart pan. Gently press the dough into place. Heat oven to 350º.
- 3
To make the filling, spoon the pumpkin to a large bowl. Whisk in the eggs, one at time, until thoroughly incorporated. Whisk in the sugar and spices, then the cream and bourbon. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared crust and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the filling has set. Allow to cool for at least 1 hour before serving. When ready to serve, top with freshly whipped cream, if desired.
Heck yes! What an awesome treat!
This tart sounds amazing! Who can so no to a little bourbon in their pumpkin? 🙂
So happy you loved this one! I’m kinda sad I didn’t make it again this year and now your post makes me regret it even more. 🙂
Pumpkin and bourbon are such a perfect combination. (Just about anything and bourbon is pretty fantastic, actually.) This looks great, Courtney!