Salted Honey Pie Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that walks the delightful line between sweet and just the right touch of salty sophistication, Salted Honey Pie is about to become your new baking obsession. With its silky custard filling infused with golden honey, nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt, this pie steals the show on any dessert table. Trust me, from its glossy surface to the way that first bite melts in your mouth, Salted Honey Pie is pure comfort with just the right dash of elegance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Salted Honey Pie so irresistible is the simplicity of its ingredients—each one has a starring role in building flavor, richness, and texture. You’ll likely have most of these on hand, and together they work magic to create something much greater than the sum of their parts.

• 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade), par-baked: The crisp, flaky base holds the luscious filling and gives that classic, comforting bite.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Adds richness and depth, ensuring the filling is silky smooth.
• 3/4 cup honey: The star flavor—choose a good quality, flavorful honey for that signature golden sweetness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the honey’s boldness and helps set the custard.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Lends luscious creaminess and a dreamy texture to every bite.
• 2 tbsp cornmeal: Just a bit adds subtle body and a hint of old-fashioned charm to the filling.
• 1 tbsp white vinegar: Brightens the sweetness with a gentle tang and keeps the custard from feeling too heavy.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and ties the custard together.
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt: Crucial for balance—it rounds out the sweetness and preps the palate for that final flourish of flake salt.
• 3 large eggs: Essential for structure, binding the custard so it slices beautifully.
• Flaky sea salt, for topping: The dramatic finishing touch—don’t skip this! It brings complexity and crunch.

How to Make Salted Honey Pie

Step 1: Prep the Pie Crust

Start by par-baking your pie crust to golden perfection, ensuring it stays crisp under that dreamy custard filling. Place your prepared 9-inch crust (either homemade or store-bought, we’re all busy sometimes) on a baking sheet. This will catch any spills and make transferring in and out of the oven effortless.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, granulated sugar, heavy cream, cornmeal, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt. Whisk until everything comes together in a smooth, glossy pool. This is what gives Salted Honey Pie its signature creamy texture with just that hint of earthiness.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Crack in the eggs and whisk them into the filling until it’s completely silky—no streaks or lumps. Give yourself an extra minute here to make sure the eggs are fully incorporated. A seamless mixture means the custard will set up perfectly and slice like a dream later.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Carefully pour the filling into your par-baked crust, smoothing the top if needed. Pop the pie into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are set with a center that still has a gentle jiggle—think of how you want cheesecake to look when it’s ready. That’s the visual cue that your Salted Honey Pie will cool and set to creamy, luscious perfection.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Once baked, let your Salted Honey Pie cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer it to the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chill time is crucial! It’s what turns the warm, custardy center into a sliceable, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Step 6: Finish with Sea Salt

Right before serving, dust the pie with flaky sea salt. This last shimmer is what really makes the flavors pop, balancing the lush sweetness and giving a sophisticated edge. For a touch more visual flair, you can add a light dusting of powdered sugar, but those salt crystals really do all the work here.

How to Serve Salted Honey Pie

Garnishes

A slice of Salted Honey Pie is a showstopper on its own, but the right garnish takes it to memorable heights. A simple scatter of extra flaky sea salt is an absolute must, but you can also add a whisper of powdered sugar, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or even delicate edible flowers for an elegant finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Because the pie is rich and sweet with a savory twist, pair it with something light and fresh. A bowl of mixed berries, a citrus salad, or even a scoop of tangy yogurt cuts through the custard’s richness and offers a beautiful contrast. For brunch, a cup of good coffee alongside your Salted Honey Pie is pure bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the classic wedge! Try serving Salted Honey Pie in mini tart shells for a party, or cut into bite-size bars for easy sharing. For a rustic dinner, garnish with a drizzle of extra honey and some toasted pecans, or try plate painting with a swipe of berry coulis for a modern twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Salted Honey Pie tasting fresh, store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pie holds up beautifully for two to three days—the flavor even deepens as it sits, making it perfect for prepping ahead for gatherings or midnight treats.

Freezing

Yes, you can absolutely freeze Salted Honey Pie! Cool the baked pie completely, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. The custard stays surprisingly creamy even after freezing.

Reheating

If you prefer your Salted Honey Pie slightly warm, just pop individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Alternatively, reheat the whole pie in a low oven (about 275°F/135°C) for 10 to 15 minutes to take the chill off, then sprinkle with fresh sea salt before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of honey?

Absolutely! The beauty of Salted Honey Pie is that it reflects the unique character of your chosen honey. Try a wildflower or orange blossom variety for a delicate twist, or use a dark, robust buckwheat honey for richer flavor.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center remains just a little wobbly when jiggled. The filling will continue to firm up as it cools, giving you that perfect creamy texture once fully chilled.

Why par-bake the crust?

Par-baking ensures the crust is crisp and won’t turn soggy under the moist custard filling. It’s a quick extra step that makes all the difference for Salted Honey Pie’s texture.

Can I make Salted Honey Pie ahead of time?

Yes! This is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Bake, cool, and chill the pie up to a full day before serving. Just hold off on the final sea salt topping until right before you slice and serve.

Is this pie gluten-free?

The filling for Salted Honey Pie is naturally gluten-free, but you’ll need to use a gluten-free pie crust to make the entire dessert gluten-free. There are great gluten-free crust recipes and ready-to-use options available these days.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Salted Honey Pie before, now’s your moment! Its sublime balance of sweet, salty, and creamy is the kind of flavor adventure that turns pie skeptics into lifelong fans. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it quietly becomes your signature dessert for every special gathering—your friends and family will be asking for it again and again.

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