If you have a sweet tooth with a soft spot for a perfect balance of flavors, this Salted Honey Pie Recipe will quickly become your new obsession. Imagine a luscious honey-infused custard nestled in a buttery crust, kissed by a whisper of sea salt that elevates every bite into an irresistible dance of sweet and salty. This pie combines simplicity and elegance, making it a standout dessert that’s just as approachable to bake as it is delightful to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward pie perfection. Each element in this Salted Honey Pie Recipe plays a vital role: the pie crust provides structure, butter and honey bring richness and depth, and a hint of sea salt adds an unexpected burst of flavor.
- 1 9-inch pie crust: Use homemade for a personal touch or store-bought for convenience, both work beautifully as the base.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Adds creamy richness and helps create a silky custard texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pie perfectly without overpowering the honey’s floral notes.
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal: Provides a subtle texture contrast and a unique rustic quality.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar: Brightens the custard and tenderizes the crust slightly for better bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a hint of comforting sweetness to the filling.
- 3/4 cup honey: The star ingredient – choose a dark, floral honey for the richest flavor.
- 3 large eggs: Essential for setting the custard and adding a smooth, creamy body.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Elevates creaminess and richness to make the custard luxuriously smooth.
- Flaked sea salt for topping: The finishing touch that adds a delightful crunch and bursts of salty flavor in every bite.
How to Make Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Press the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges to create an attractive border. Placing the pie dish on a baking sheet makes transferring it in and out of the oven much easier, preventing spills and messes along the way.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, salt, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and honey. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and fragrant, allowing the honey to infuse the batter with its unique aroma.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time to the honey mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition. This step ensures the filling emulsifies properly, creating a velvety custard that sets just right.
Step 4: Stir in the Heavy Cream
Finally, mix in the heavy cream until the filling is uniform and glossy. The cream enriches the custard, making every forkful dreamy and indulgent.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the filling into the prepared crust, smoothing it gently with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, watching for a golden brown top and a filling that is just set in the center with a slight jiggle. This delicate balance guarantees a custard that is neither too runny nor overcooked.
Step 6: Cool and Finish with Sea Salt
Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. Right before serving, sprinkle flaked sea salt evenly across the top. This final flourish enhances the flavor profile and adds an enticing texture contrast.
How to Serve Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate the visual and taste appeal by adding fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries on the side, which bring a pop of color and a splash of tartness to balance the honeyed sweetness. A dollop of lightly whipped cream can add an airy contrast that melts beautifully alongside each slice.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of robust coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine, deepening the taste experience. For a lighter accompaniment, serve it alongside a simple green salad tossed in citrus vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice the pie into small squares and serve on decorative plates with sprigs of fresh mint. Alternatively, turn leftover slices into mini “pie milkshakes” by blending with ice cream and honey, adding a playful twist on enjoying this Salted Honey Pie Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Salted Honey Pie Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it chilled to maintain the custard’s silky texture and freshness. Just remember to add the sea salt topping fresh each time you serve to keep the flavors vibrant.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the custard texture may become slightly grainy upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, reapplying fresh sea salt once defrosted.
Reheating
Enjoy your pie chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat individual slices in a low-temperature oven (around 275°F) for 10 minutes, taking care not to overheat and dry out the custard.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought pie crusts work perfectly in this Salted Honey Pie Recipe and can save time without compromising taste or texture.
What type of honey is best?
For the richest flavor, choose a dark, floral honey such as buckwheat or wildflower. Their robust profiles add depth and complexity to the pie.
Is cornmeal necessary?
Cornmeal adds a subtle texture and a hint of rustic charm to the custard. It’s a unique ingredient that helps set this pie apart from standard custard pies.
Can I make this pie vegan?
This recipe relies on eggs, butter, and heavy cream for its custard richness, so it’s not suitable for a vegan diet without significant adjustments to the ingredients and method.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is ready when the top is golden brown and the center has a slight jiggle but is not liquid. This ensures a creamy yet set custard every time.
Final Thoughts
It’s rare to find a dessert as effortlessly charming and deeply satisfying as this Salted Honey Pie Recipe. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this pie delivers magic in every slice – the perfect marriage of sweet honey and savory salt that’s simply unforgettable. Go ahead, give it a try, and prepare for lots of compliments!
Print
Salted Honey Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salted Honey Pie is a delightful Southern dessert featuring a smooth honey custard filling baked in a flaky pie crust, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. This easy-to-make pie combines honey, butter, and a hint of vinegar for depth, creating a rich, golden-brown treat that can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup honey
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Topping
- Flaked sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare the crust: Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges neatly. Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to make it easier to handle when transferring in and out of the oven.
- Mix filling ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, salt, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and honey until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the filling mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth and consistent custard base.
- Incorporate heavy cream: Stir in the heavy cream until the filling is fully combined and uniform in texture.
- Fill the crust: Pour the prepared filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the pie: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is just set. The top should be golden brown with a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken, but not liquid.
- Cool and garnish: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. Just before serving, sprinkle the surface with flaked sea salt to enhance the flavors.
- Serving suggestion: Serve the pie at room temperature or chilled, optionally accompanied by fresh berries or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- This pie can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
- For a deeper, more complex flavor profile, use a dark, floral honey variety.
- Pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the sweet and salty notes.
