There’s something truly captivating about the blend of sweet and salty in a dessert, and that’s exactly where Salted Honey Pie shines. When I first discovered this delightful Southern-inspired treat, it felt like finding a hidden gem in my own kitchen. The rich, creamy custard filling, infused with floral notes of honey, creates an indulgent experience that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
Imagine cutting into a slice and watching the silky custard hold its shape, all while the flaky pie crust crumbles beautifully with each bite. The sprinkling of flaky sea salt on top adds just the right touch, elevating this pie to a whole new level. Perfect for dinner parties or an afternoon tea, this decadent pie is as versatile as it is delicious. Join me in creating this unique dessert that promises to welcome everyone to the table with open arms and satisfied taste buds!
Why will you love Salted Honey Pie?
Indulgent Experience: Each bite offers a delightful blend of rich honey custard and a buttery crust, making it a truly satisfying dessert.
Unique Flavor Profile: The sweet-salty balance makes it stand out from typical desserts, tantalizing your taste buds like never before.
Simple Preparation: With easy-to-follow steps, even beginner home cooks can impress their friends and family with this gorgeous pie.
Versatile Serving: Whether paired with a cup of tea or served at festive gatherings, it’s bound to be a crowd favorite!
Elegant Appearance: Impress your guests with its beautiful presentation; it’s as lovely on the table as it is delicious on the palate.
Salted Honey Pie Ingredients
For the Crust
• Pie Crust – 1 9-inch crust, homemade or store-bought, serves as the base structure; make sure to blind bake for crispiness.
For the Filling
• Unsalted Butter – ½ cup, melted and slightly cooled; adds richness and flavor, using unsalted allows better control of saltiness.
• Granulated Sugar – ¾ cup; provides sweetness, which can be adjusted based on your personal preference for sweetness.
• Cornmeal – ¼ cup (fine grind); essential for texture balance, contributing structure without any grittiness.
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon; enhances the overall flavor of the pie, but can be adjusted based on individual salt sensitivity.
• White Vinegar or Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon; brightens flavor; choose based on your preference or what you have available.
• Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon; adds aromatic depth, and using pure vanilla extract gives the best flavor.
• Honey – ½ cup (preferably wildflower or clover); the main sweetener and flavor source; using quality honey truly enhances this Salted Honey Pie.
• Large Eggs – 3, added one at a time; provides structure and richness; room temperature eggs work best for emulsification.
• Heavy Cream – ½ cup; imparts creaminess to the filling, but can be substituted with non-dairy alternatives for a vegan option.
For the Topping
• Flaky Sea Salt – For topping; serves as the final touch of flavor; opt for a high-quality variety like Maldon for the best results.
How to Make Salted Honey Pie
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Prepare Crust: Chill your 9-inch pie crust and blind bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes with pie weights. After removing the weights, bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly before adding the filling.
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Mix Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, salt, vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla extract, and honey until everything is well combined and smooth.
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Add Eggs: Add the large eggs one at a time to the mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the heavy cream to achieve a silky consistency.
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Fill Crust: Carefully pour the luxurious filling into your pre-baked crust, placing the pie on a baking sheet for easier handling and cleanup.
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Bake: Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes. The center should be set and have a slight jiggle. Use foil to tent the pie if it begins to brown too quickly.
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Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours, letting the flavors meld beautifully for a divine taste experience.
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Serve: Just before serving, generously sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to enhance the sweet flavors and add that perfect finishing touch!
Optional: Serve slices with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Salted Honey Pie
- Perfectly Blind Baked Crust: Ensure your pie crust is adequately blind baked; this step prevents sogginess, keeping your Salted Honey Pie crust delightfully crisp.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and heavy cream helps create a smoother filling, making for a more cohesive custard texture.
- Cooling Time Matters: Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing; this will help maintain its shape and ensure clean slices for serving.
- Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality honey and vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of your pie; the better the ingredients, the more delightful your dessert will be.
- Adjust Sweetness with Care: Feel free to tweak the granulated sugar amount according to your taste; just remember to maintain the recipe’s sweet-salty balance for the best results.
Salted Honey Pie Variations
Customize your Salted Honey Pie to make it uniquely yours and burst with delightful flavors!
- Citrusy Twist: Substitute lemon juice for white vinegar to introduce a bright, zesty flavor to the custard.
- Maple Sweetness: Replace honey with maple syrup for a warm, earthy note; the texture might be a bit denser but equally delicious.
- Nutty Addition: Stir in ¼ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for an unexpected crunch and depth.
- Dairy-Free Delight: For a vegan take, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with a plant-based alternative, ensuring a luscious, creamy result.
- Herbal Infusion: Infuse the melted butter with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a sophisticated twist that complements the sweet base beautifully.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once the pie has cooled, drizzle a melted dark chocolate on top for a rich, decadent contrast to the sweetness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for subtle heat that enhances flavor balance while making it more intriguing.
- Savory Contrast: Incorporate a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese on top before serving, introducing a savory balance to the sweet custard.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect Salted Honey Pie!
Storage Tips for Salted Honey Pie
- Fridge: Store the pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Whether served at room temperature or chilled, it remains a delightful treat.
- Freezer: Wrap the Salted Honey Pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil for freezing; it can last for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
- Reheating: If you want to enjoy a warm slice, gently reheat individual slices in the oven at a low temperature, ensuring not to overheat to preserve the custard’s silky smoothness.
- Serving: Top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving to enhance the sweet-salty flavor that makes this pie so irresistible!
What to Serve with Salted Honey Pie?
Elevate your dessert experience by pairing this decadent treat with delightful companions.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries offers a refreshing tartness that cuts through the pie’s richness. Their vibrant colors will enhance presentation, making your dessert table pop.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of homemade whipped cream adds an airy texture and subtle sweetness, perfectly balancing the deep flavors of the pie. Don’t forget to sprinkle a bit of vanilla or a hint of lemon zest on top for extra flair!
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Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or Earl Grey tea provides calming and fragrant undertones that complement the floral notes of honey in the pie beautifully. The gentle warmth makes it an inviting pairing for afternoon gatherings.
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Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream adds a creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the silky custard and flaky crust of the pie. This classic combination melts in your mouth, encapsulating comfort in every bite.
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Coffee: Brewed coffee, whether black or with a touch of cream, is a fantastic contrast to the sweet, salty flavors of the pie, enhancing the experience with its bold notes. The slight bitterness also makes each bite of pie taste even better!
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Pecan Pralines: These sweet and crunchy treats introduce a delightful contrast of textures that complements the soft filling of the salted honey pie. Their caramel flavor pairs wonderfully, making for an indulgent dessert duo that everyone will love.
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Honey Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pie crust up to 3 days in advance by blind baking it and storing it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. The filling can also be mixed and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before using. When ready to bake, simply pour the chilled filling into the pre-baked crust and bake as directed. This method helps maintain the creamy texture while saving time on busy days. Just remember to allow the pie to cool completely before sprinkling it with flaky sea salt before serving, ensuring it’s just as delicious as if made fresh!
Salted Honey Pie Recipe FAQs
What type of honey should I use for Salted Honey Pie?
Absolutely! Using high-quality honey makes a significant difference in flavor. I recommend wildflower or clover honey for their floral notes that blend beautifully with the custard. If you have local honey, that’s even better, as it often carries unique flavors reflective of the area!
How should I store Salted Honey Pie?
Very easy! Store the pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just ensure it’s sealed well to maintain its creamy texture. You can serve it either chilled or at room temperature—both options are delightful!
Can I freeze Salted Honey Pie, and if so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Salted Honey Pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, ensuring that no air escapes. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What should I do if the custard doesn’t set properly?
If your custard is still jiggly after baking, it’s likely due to not cooking it long enough. Continue to bake the pie, checking every 5 minutes until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle—this typically takes 40 to 50 minutes at 350°F (175°C). If the crust begins to brown too much, be sure to tent it with foil to prevent burning.
Can I make Salted Honey Pie dairy-free?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version of Salted Honey Pie, swap the unsalted butter for plant-based butter and the heavy cream with coconut cream. This substitution will maintain the luscious texture while accommodating dietary preferences.
Is Salted Honey Pie suitable for pets?
No, I would advise against giving Salted Honey Pie to pets. Ingredients like sugar and honey can upset their stomachs. It’s best to keep human treats separate from your furry friends.
Delight in Salted Honey Pie: A Sweet Southern Classic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chill your 9-inch pie crust and blind bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes with pie weights. After removing the weights, bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly before adding the filling.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, salt, vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla extract, and honey until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Add the large eggs one at a time to the mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the heavy cream to achieve a silky consistency.
- Carefully pour the luxurious filling into your pre-baked crust, placing the pie on a baking sheet for easier handling and cleanup.
- Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes. The center should be set and have a slight jiggle.
- Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours, letting the flavors meld beautifully for a divine taste experience.
- Just before serving, generously sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to enhance the sweet flavors and add that perfect finishing touch!