If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and salty with a luxe golden hue, this Salted Honey Pie Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine velvety honey filling with just a hint of salt to elevate every bite, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. It’s a wonderful combination that’s simple to make yet truly special enough for any occasion, whether you’re indulging on a quiet evening or impressing guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Salted Honey Pie Recipe plays a crucial role, from the richness of the melted butter to the silky texture brought by the heavy cream. These components come together to create a luscious pie that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- 9-inch pie crust (pre-baked): Provides a sturdy, flaky base that supports the creamy filling perfectly, whether homemade or store-bought.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Adds a rich, smooth flavor that carries the honey’s sweetness beautifully.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling while balancing out the honey’s natural floral notes.
- 2 tablespoons fine cornmeal: Works as a subtle thickener and gives just a bit of texture contrast within the silky custard.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and preps the pie for the final salty sprinkle on top.
- 3/4 cup honey: The star ingredient, providing warmth, complexity, and natural sweetness.
- 3 large eggs: Essential for binding the filling and creating that perfect custard set.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings richness and smoothness to the filling, making it ultra-luxe.
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar: Adds a slight tang that brightens and balances the honey’s sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with warm, comforting notes.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): The finishing touch that gives the pie its signature salted quality and a lovely crunch.
How to Make Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oven ready early sets you up for a smooth baking process and ensures the pie cooks evenly from the moment it goes in.
Step 2: Mix Butter, Sugar, Cornmeal, and Salt
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, fine cornmeal, and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the flavor base of your filling, marrying richness with just a touch of texture from the cornmeal.
Step 3: Add Remaining Filling Ingredients
Next, whisk in the honey, eggs, heavy cream, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until the filling is silky and fully blended. The eggs will help the custard set during baking, while the vinegar adds subtle brightness that complements the honey.
Step 4: Pour Filling into Crust
Carefully pour your luscious filling into the pre-baked pie crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed. This is where the magic begins—seeing that golden filling settle into the flaky crust is truly satisfying.
Step 5: Bake Your Pie
Bake the pie for 45 to 50 minutes until the edges look set and the center still jiggles just a little when you gently shake the pan. If the crust edges brown too quickly, simply cover them with foil to prevent burning while the filling finishes baking.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once baked, allow your pie to cool at room temperature thoroughly. Cooling is key to letting the custard set properly. After it’s cooled, pop the pie into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to chill and firm up for perfect slicing.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch
Just before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt generously across the top to create that perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite. This final step elevates the pie from delicious to simply unforgettable.
How to Serve Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While the flaky sea salt topping is essential, you can also add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a few edible flowers for an elegant presentation. A light drizzle of extra honey can enhance the natural sweetness even further if you have a real sweet tooth.
Side Dishes
Pair this pie with fresh berries or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving. The fruity contrast or cool creaminess complements the rich honey flavors and adds layers of texture and freshness to the dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices on delicate dessert plates with a small drizzle of caramel sauce or alongside a cup of strong coffee or tea for a perfectly balanced afternoon treat. The warm golden color and inviting aroma make it beautiful enough for holiday spreads and special occasions too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Salted Honey Pie Recipe stays fresh and delicious when tightly wrapped and refrigerated. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy a slice or two without worrying about it drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save your pie for later, you can freeze it for up to one month. Wrap the entire pie well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftover pie slices in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F / 150°C) for about 10 minutes to gently revive the flavors and soften the filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can alter the texture of the custard.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this Salted Honey Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! A store-bought pre-baked crust saves time and works wonderfully, especially if you want a foolproof crust. Just make sure it’s fully baked before adding the filling, so it stays crisp.
What kind of honey is best to use?
Use a good quality, mild honey for the best flavor. Clover or wildflower honey allows the pie’s other ingredients to shine while imparting that signature sweetness.
Why is cornmeal included in the recipe?
The fine cornmeal helps to slightly thicken the filling and adds a subtle texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy custard. It also helps absorb some moisture and prevent the pie from becoming too runny.
Is the flaky sea salt essential?
Yes, sprinkling flaky sea salt on top is crucial because it perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey filling. It adds a touch of crunch and layers of flavor that make the pie stand out.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on eggs and dairy for its custard texture, so adapting it to be vegan or dairy-free would require significant changes. However, experimenting with plant-based creams and egg substitutes could work if you’re comfortable adjusting the technique.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Salted Honey Pie Recipe enough if you want a dessert that feels both comforting and a little bit special. It’s deceptively simple to prepare but delivers layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab your ingredients, bake this golden beauty, and enjoy every luscious bite!
Print
Salted Honey Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Salted Honey Pie features a luscious honey-sweetened custard filling with a subtle crunch from cornmeal and a hint of saltiness, baked in a flaky pre-baked pie crust. Perfectly creamy and lightly sweetened with honey, it offers a beautiful balance of flavors topped with crunchy flaky sea salt for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust, pre-baked (homemade or store-bought)
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fine cornmeal
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup honey
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Mix base ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, fine cornmeal, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Whisk in the honey, eggs, heavy cream, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until the filling mixture is fully blended and silky.
- Fill pie crust: Pour the smooth filling evenly into the pre-baked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it gently to the edges.
- Bake the pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. If the crust browns too much early on, cover the edges with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and chill: Remove the pie from oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to fully set.
- Finish and serve: Before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly over the top of the pie to add a crunchy, salty contrast to the sweet honey filling.
Notes
- Using a pre-baked pie crust is essential to avoid sogginess in the filling.
- Cover crust edges with foil if they brown too quickly during baking to prevent burning.
- The center should still jiggle slightly when done to ensure a creamy custard texture once chilled.
- Refrigerating the pie for at least 2 hours is important to achieve the proper set consistency.
- Use good quality honey for the best flavor.
