As I sat at my grandmother’s kitchen table, a waft of something sweet and buttery danced through the air, igniting cherished memories of love and laughter. That enchanting flavor profile inspired my take on a classic Southern treat: Salted Honey Pie. With its creamy honey custard nestled in a flaky crust and topped with a touch of flaky sea salt, this pie is the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. What I adore most is how quick and easy it is to prepare—ideal for both casual family dinners and elegant gatherings. Plus, the delightful juxtaposition of sweet and salty creates a unique experience for your taste buds that’s hard to resist. Curious about how to make this delicious dessert your new go-to? Let’s dive in!
Why is Salted Honey Pie a must-try?
Sweet, Salty Balance: The delightful contrast between the honey’s sweetness and the flaky sea salt creates an unforgettable flavor experience that keeps guests coming back for more.
Elegantly Simple: This pie is easy to prepare with minimal ingredients—perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Delight: Serve it alone or amplify the flavor by pairing it with fresh berries and whipped cream, making it a crowd-pleaser at any event.
Time-Saving Treat: With a make-ahead option, this dessert allows you to enjoy special moments without spending all day in the kitchen.
Comforting Nostalgia: Each bite takes you back to cherished memories, making it a perfect addition to family feasts. For a twist, check out these Pumpkin Pie Tacos or Pretzel Bites to complement your meal!
Salted Honey Pie Ingredients
For the Crust
- Pie Crust – Use a 9-inch homemade or store-bought crust (blind baked) for the best results.
For the Filling
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup) – Adds richness and flavor; remember to cool it slightly after melting.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the custard filling; no substitutions recommended for desired sweetness.
- Cornmeal (¼ cup, fine grind) – Provides structure without grit, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Enhances flavor; opt for kosher salt for a similar effect.
- White Vinegar or Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon) – Adds brightness and acidity to balance sweetness; lemon juice can be used interchangeably.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Boosts the flavor profile; use pure vanilla extract for best results.
- Honey (½ cup, preferably wildflower or clover) – This is the key ingredient that sweetens the filling and adds floral notes.
- Large Eggs (3) – Provides structure and stability to the filling; use room temperature eggs for easy mixing.
- Heavy Cream (½ cup) – Adds creaminess to the filling; substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
For Finishing Touch
- Flaky Sea Salt – A sprinkle on top enhances flavor just before serving; Maldon salt is recommended for its delightful texture.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Honey Pie
Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust
Start by chilling your 9-inch pie crust for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the foil and weights, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until it’s fully cooked and slightly crisp. Allow the crust to cool on a wire rack while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup fine cornmeal, and ¼ teaspoon salt until well combined. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added flavor, followed by ½ cup of honey. Mix until you achieve a smooth, cohesive mixture that glistens invitingly.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs
Add 3 large room-temperature eggs to the bowl one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is silky and smooth. Once all the eggs are well-incorporated, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, mixing until fully blended. This creamy filling is the heart of your Salted Honey Pie, so ensure no lumps remain.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the luscious filling into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center barely jiggles—it should be mostly set but still have a slight wobble. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning.
Step 5: Cool
Once baked to perfection, remove your Salted Honey Pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow it to rest for at least 2 hours; this cooling period helps the filling to set properly, ensuring beautiful, clean slices when you serve it.
Step 6: Finish
Just before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of flaky sea salt on top of the cooled pie. This final touch enhances the flavors beautifully, adding that delightful contrast between sweet and salty. Your Salted Honey Pie is now ready to be enjoyed—slice and savor every creamy, sweet bite!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Honey Pie
Fridge: Store your Salted Honey Pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This will help maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the pie again, simply transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer your pie warm, gently reheat it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10–15 minutes, but enjoy it at room temperature for the best flavor!
Expert Tips for Salted Honey Pie
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream are at room temperature for a smoother filling. This helps them blend seamlessly into the mixture.
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Blind Bake Wisely: Don’t skip blind baking the crust! This step prevents a soggy bottom and keeps your pie crust perfectly crisp.
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Cool Completely: Allow the pie to cool fully on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. Cutting too soon can disturb the structure of the filling.
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Quality Honey Matters: Opt for high-quality honey in your Salted Honey Pie for richer flavor and depth. Different honey varieties can greatly impact the final taste!
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Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the pie during baking. If the edges are browning too quickly, tent it with foil to ensure even cooking without burning.
What to Serve with Salted Honey Pie
The perfect way to elevate a delightful dessert experience is by combining contrasting flavors and textures that complement the rich, sweet-salty notes of your pie.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries cuts through the sweetness, offering a refreshing bite that balances the pie’s richness.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this classic pairing adds creaminess, enhancing the honey custard while providing a soft texture contrast to the flaky crust.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm pie, creating a delightful warm-cold sensation that makes each bite unforgettable.
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Toasted Pecans: Sprinkle some toasted pecans on top for a crunchy texture that not only adds flavor but also a delightful nuttiness that complements the honey.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: Bright, citrusy drinks like fresh-squeezed lemonade or sweet iced tea provide a refreshing counterpoint to the pie’s rich custard.
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Dark Chocolate Shavings: A sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings elevates the dessert with a hint of bitterness, adding depth and a touch of elegance to the overall dish.
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Earl Grey Tea: A warm cup of Earl Grey tea, with its citrusy bergamot notes, offers a fragrant pairing that perfectly rounds out the meal.
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Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm salted caramel sauce over the pie enhances the sweet-salty experience and adds a luxurious touch to your dessert presentation.
Salted Honey Pie: Versatile Variations
Feel free to take this classic Salted Honey Pie and make it your own with these delightful twists!
- Alternative Sweeteners: Swap honey for maple syrup for a uniquely rich flavor that still provides that sweet profile.
- Bourbon Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for a warm, comforting depth that beautifully complements the honey.
- Nutty Crust: For added crunch, substitute the regular pie crust with a crushed pecan or almond crust. It adds an earthy richness!
- Citrusy Brightness: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the filling for a bright, refreshing contrast that’s sure to awaken your taste buds.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and the unsalted butter with vegan butter for a delicious dairy-free option.
- Spiced Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard filling for a cozy, spiced twist that’s especially perfect for fall.
- Fruity Fusion: Top with fresh berries after baking or mix in some finely chopped apples or pears into the filling for a delightful, fruity surprise.
- Add Texture: Incorporate a layer of finely chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds, underneath the filling for a pleasant crunch that complements the creamy texture beautifully.
Once you’ve enjoyed your Salted Honey Pie, you might also like to try your hand at Cooker Pumpkin Pie for a warm, spiced twist, or serve it alongside Pretzel Bites for a fun, casual gathering. Happy baking!
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Honey Pie is a dream for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pie crust up to 24 hours in advance—just blind bake it and store it covered at room temperature to keep it crisp. The filling can also be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator; simply whisk it well before pouring it into the crust. To maintain the pie’s delicious quality, remember to let it cool completely before slicing. When you’re ready to serve, bake the filled pie as directed and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty balance. Enjoy the time-saving benefits of having dessert planned ahead!
Salted Honey Pie Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best honey for my Salted Honey Pie?
Absolutely! I recommend selecting high-quality honey, such as wildflower or clover, for your pie. These types tend to have a rich flavor profile that enhances the custard. If you enjoy experimenting, you can try different varieties—just keep in mind that each honey will impart its unique taste to the final dessert.
What’s the best way to store leftover Salted Honey Pie?
To maintain its deliciousness, store your Salted Honey Pie tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. This will help preserve the creamy texture. Be sure to let it cool completely before covering to prevent condensation from forming.
Can I freeze Salted Honey Pie for later?
Very! If you’d like to freeze your pie, first wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What should I do if my pie cracks while baking?
Don’t worry! If you notice cracks, it’s typically an indication that the pie was baked too long. For future batches, keep an eye on your pie during the last 10 minutes of baking—they should barely jiggle in the center when done. Tent with foil if the edges are browning too quickly.
Can I use a different type of crust for my Salted Honey Pie?
Absolutely! While a traditional pie crust works best, you can experiment with graham cracker or cookie crusts for a little twist. Just be sure to pre-bake those crusts as well for the best texture!
Is this pie suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
If you’re considering dietary restrictions, you can easily make this pie dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using plant-based butter. Just ensure that the honey used is appropriate for the diets of those you’re serving!
Creamy Salted Honey Pie: Your New Favorite Southern Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chill your 9-inch pie crust for about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line crust with foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Remove foil and weights, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until fully cooked. Cool on wire rack.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, and salt until combined. Add vinegar or lemon juice and vanilla extract, followed by honey. Mix until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in heavy cream until fully blended.
- Pour filling into pre-baked pie crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes until center barely jiggles. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
- Once baked, cool on wire rack for at least 2 hours to set filling.
- Before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to enhance flavors. Slice and enjoy!
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