If you are looking for a dessert that dances perfectly between sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy, look no further than this Salted Honey Pie Recipe. The rich honey filling, kissed with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, seeps into a buttery, crisp crust creating a memorable treat that feels both indulgent and comforting. It’s a slice of pure joy with every bite, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something special at home. Once you try this Salted Honey Pie Recipe, it will quickly become a treasured classic in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Salted Honey Pie Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a distinct role in crafting the flavor, texture, and appearance of the finished pie, making the process straightforward and rewarding.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Provides the flaky and buttery foundation that holds the luscious filling.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Adds richness and smoothness to the filling’s custard.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the pie while helping to set the honey filling.
- Cornmeal (2 tablespoons): Gives subtle texture and helps thicken the custard filling beautifully.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warm, aromatic notes that deepen the dessert’s complexity.
- Honey (¾ cup): The star ingredient, lending natural sweetness and floral depth to the custard.
- Eggs (3 large): Bind the filling and create that luscious custard consistency.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Adds creaminess and a velvety texture to the filling.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens the flavor and balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Flaked sea salt (for topping): Sprinkled on just before serving to provide a delightful salty crunch.
How to Make Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, then crimp the edges to your liking—this adds a pretty, rustic look while ensuring the crust bakes evenly. The crust is your foundation, so take a moment to make it look inviting.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, cornmeal, salt, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth. This mixture is key for achieving the pie’s signature texture—smooth but with a little bit of tooth from the cornmeal. Then, stir in the honey, letting its golden richness meld with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Cream
Carefully whisk in the eggs one at a time, which will help create that custard-like consistency that’s so important for this pie. Follow this by adding the heavy cream and apple cider vinegar, stirring until perfectly smooth. The vinegar adds just a subtle tang that keeps the sweetness from becoming overwhelming.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour your luscious filling into the prepared crust, then place the pie in your oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the center is just set and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. If you notice the crust browning too quickly, gently cover the edges with foil during the final 15 minutes to prevent burning while the filling finishes baking.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Once baked, allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chilling for at least two hours is essential as it helps the filling fully set, making slicing the perfect slice a breeze.
How to Serve Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, don’t forget to sprinkle a generous pinch of flaked sea salt on top. This final touch enhances the honey’s sweetness by creating a delightful contrast in every bite. For an extra special touch, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or crème fraîche right on top—it pairs wonderfully with the pie’s rich flavors.
Side Dishes
Simple accompaniments such as fresh berries or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can elevate the dessert experience. If you’re serving this pie at a gathering, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side balances the pie’s richness with creamy coolness.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine serving individual slices on elegant dessert plates, garnished with edible flowers or a sprig of fresh thyme for a sophisticated touch. Or, to keep things casual and fun, serve the pie on a rustic wooden board alongside a pot of tea or coffee, making it the centerpiece of cozy afternoon conversations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the first slice, cover the remaining pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. The custard filling keeps beautifully chilled for up to four days, retaining its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
Freezing this pie is possible but not ideal due to the custard’s delicate texture. If you must freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’s best consumed within a month and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
This pie is delightful cold or at room temperature. If you prefer warm pie, gently warm individual slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain that perfect custard consistency without turning it rubbery or overcooked.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust works wonderfully for this recipe, making it even easier to whip up your Salted Honey Pie. Just choose one with a buttery flavor for the best results.
What type of honey is best for this pie?
Dark wildflower or buckwheat honey adds a deeper, richer flavor that complements the filling beautifully, though a mild clover honey can also work for a lighter taste.
Why is there apple cider vinegar in the filling?
The vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the honey and enhances the custard’s overall flavor, preventing it from feeling too sugary.
Can I make this pie vegan?
This recipe relies on eggs and cream to achieve its custard texture, so it’s not suitable for a vegan diet without significant substitutions, which would change the texture considerably.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
The pie’s center should be just set and not jiggly, with a golden-brown top. It’s okay if it has a slight gentle wobble, as it will finish setting while cooling.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Honey Pie Recipe is truly a special treat that brings together the best of sweet and salty flavors in a beautifully simple package. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a dinner party, or a cozy night in, this pie is sure to impress and delight everyone who tastes it. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every luscious bite!
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Salted Honey Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salted Honey Pie is a rich and creamy custard-style dessert featuring a buttery pie crust filled with a luscious mixture of honey, eggs, and cream, baked to golden perfection and topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup honey
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Topping
- Flaked sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven reaches the correct temperature to bake the pie evenly.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Place the unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie dish and crimp the edges as desired to create a decorative border and secure the crust.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, salt, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Add Honey and Eggs: Stir the honey into the bowl, then whisk in the eggs one at a time to create a cohesive filling.
- Incorporate Cream and Vinegar: Add the heavy cream and apple cider vinegar to the mixture, stirring until smooth and fully integrated.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the prepared filling evenly into the unbaked pie crust, making sure it’s well distributed.
- Bake the Pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top has turned a golden brown color. If the crust edges darken too quickly, cover them with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
- Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature to allow the filling to set properly.
- Refrigerate: Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to fully firm up the custard filling and improve flavor.
- Add the Finishing Touch: Before serving, generously sprinkle flaked sea salt over the top of the pie to create a delightful contrast of salty and sweet flavors.
Notes
- Use dark wildflower or buckwheat honey for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Serve the pie chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
- Complement the pie with whipped cream or a dollop of crème fraîche for added creaminess.
- Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
