Salted Honey Pie Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that always draws out a chorus of delighted sighs, Salted Honey Pie is your new secret weapon. This pie balances silky, golden honey custard with a gentle, salty crunch on top—pure comfort wrapped in a buttery crust! Each slice teases the tongue with sweet and salty, smooth and crisp, making it utterly irresistible whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving a little indulgence on a quiet weekend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Salted Honey Pie keeps things simple, using pantry staples that each bring something special to the table. From depth of flavor to essential structure, every ingredient has a purpose and there’s no need for anything fancy—just a few key items deliver maximum deliciousness.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The flakey, buttery base that anchors all the luscious filling—homemade or store-bought works perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel, helping to meld the other flavors together.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and helps the custard set just right.
- Cornmeal (2 tablespoons): The secret for a subtle texture and a hint of rustic charm in every bite.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors throughout the pie.
- Honey (¾ cup): The star of the show—use your favorite variety for the best flavor impact.
- Large eggs (3): These bind the filling, giving structure and a custardy smooth finish.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Lends creamy richness and lightness to the custard texture.
- White vinegar (2 teaspoons): Completely undetectable, but crucial for balancing the sweetness and giving the filling a gentle tang.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings comforting warmth and depth to the pie’s flavor profile.
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish): The finishing touch that makes the honey pop with each bite.
How to Make Salted Honey Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently nestle your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, smoothing out any folds. Crimp the edges however you like—rustic and homey or dainty and decorative. This is the sturdy base that will hold your luscious Salted Honey Pie filling.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, and salt. Combining these dry(ish) ingredients first makes sure your pie bakes up with an even, slightly nubby texture and that the cornmeal distributes perfectly.
Step 3: Add Honey and Eggs
Pour in that glorious honey and whisk until the mixture is smooth. One by one, beat in the eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next—patience here will reward you with a gorgeously smooth custard in your Salted Honey Pie.
Step 4: Finish the Filling
Now, slowly whisk in the heavy cream, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. The result will be a pale, creamy mixture that smells like a dream. Everything should look well-blended and silky without any streaks.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the rich filling into your prepared pie crust, smoothing it evenly. Bake on the center rack for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for set edges with a slight jiggle in the center. If the crust browns a bit too quickly, just gently tent the edges with foil to protect them.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Let the Salted Honey Pie cool completely at room temperature so the custard can set fully—this is key! Before serving, scatter a pinch or two of flaky sea salt over the top so every bite has that magical salty-sweet combo.
How to Serve Salted Honey Pie
Garnishes
This pie sings all on its own, but a dab of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a tumble of fresh berries takes it to a new level. The contrast of creaminess or tangy fruit really lets the salted honey notes shine, and a final dusting of extra sea salt just before serving adds sparkle and crunch.
Side Dishes
Salted Honey Pie pairs beautifully with simple side treats. Serve alongside a hot mug of tea or strong coffee for a comforting afternoon pick-me-up. Alternatively, fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside each slice help cut the sweetness and refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable twist, try baking mini salted honey pies in muffin tins for adorable single-serve treats. You can also layer a little whipped mascarpone or tangy yogurt underneath each slice for an elegant plated dessert. Fancy up your serving platter with edible flowers or a drizzle of extra honey for a show-stopping effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Salted Honey Pie keeps best covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, pop it into the refrigerator, where it will stay delicious for up to five days—just be sure to wrap it well so it doesn’t pick up fridge smells.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use an airtight container. The texture will remain pleasantly custardy after defrosting if you thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator. It’s a neat trick to have slices ready for special occasions or surprise cravings!
Reheating
To enjoy the pie just as fresh as day one, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or in a low oven until heated through. The warmth brings out the aroma of the honey and makes the filling even more luscious.
FAQs
Can I use regular table salt instead of flaky sea salt?
While you can use table salt in a pinch, flaky sea salt really delivers those lovely pops of briny flavor and a delicate texture that elevates the pie. If possible, stick with the good stuff for finishing your Salted Honey Pie.
What kind of honey works best?
Darker honeys, like wildflower or buckwheat, add depth and complexity, but any good-quality honey will work well. Try your favorite or experiment with seasonal local honeys for a uniquely flavored Salted Honey Pie experience every time.
Is it possible to make this pie gluten free?
Absolutely! Use your preferred gluten-free pie crust and double-check that your cornmeal is certified gluten free. Otherwise, no other adjustments are needed for a flourless filling.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The best cue is the gently set edges and a center that still gives a little jiggle. Overbaking can make the custard grainy, so keep an eye on things in the last 5–10 minutes of baking.
Why do we add vinegar to the filling?
A small splash of vinegar balances out the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile, giving Salted Honey Pie its signature depth and preventing things from tasting overly sugary.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that feels nostalgic and gourmet all at once, give Salted Honey Pie a whirl. It’s a true treat for the senses and bound to become a new favorite in your recipe lineup. Happy baking!
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Salted Honey Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with this Salted Honey Pie recipe. A rich honey custard filling is enhanced by a touch of sea salt, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. This dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup honey
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp edges.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, cornmeal, and salt. Add honey, whisk until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, add heavy cream, vinegar, and vanilla, whisk until blended.
- Bake: Pour filling into crust. Bake for 45–50 minutes until edges set but center slightly jiggles. Cover edges with foil if crust browns too quickly.
- Cool and Serve: Cool pie at room temperature, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, use darker wildflower or buckwheat honey.
- Delicious with whipped cream or fresh berries.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 43 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
