½ cup/75 grams maple sugar or use more light brown sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
1 ½ cups/180 grams pecan halves
Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon (optional)
Directions
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12-inch circle, and transfer to a 9-inch metal pie plate. Fold over any excess dough, crimping the edges. Transfer crust to the freezer for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, place a rimmed baking sheet on the middle oven rack and heat oven to 425 degrees.
Heat a small saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the foam subsides, the milk solids turn golden brown and the butter smells nutty and toasty, about 5 minutes. Add maple syrup to the pan and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reduces slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and whisk honey into the warm syrup mixture. Let cool at least 10 minutes.
While the syrup mixture cools, combine sugars, eggs, bourbon (if using), vanilla and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually pour syrup mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly, then use a rubber spatula to scrape in all the brown bits at the bottom of the pot.
Remove pie crust from freezer and place pecans along the bottom of the crust. Carefully pour the filling over the pecans.
Place pie plate on the hot sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue to bake for another 35 to 45 minutes, until the center of the pie has puffed up and turned golden brown.
Transfer pie to a wire cooling rack, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if you like, and allow to cool for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.