If you’re searching for a dessert that flawlessly balances sweet and savory, look no further than this Salted Honey Pie Recipe. With its luxuriously smooth honey filling nestled in a crisp, buttery crust and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, this pie offers a little something for every craving. The marriage of creamy texture, rich honey flavor, and a hint of saltiness creates a truly unforgettable treat that feels both comforting and elegant. Every bite sings with warmth and delight, making it an ideal centerpiece for cozy gatherings or whenever you want to impress with simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Salted Honey Pie Recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role—from the flaky pie crust providing that perfect base, to the honey and butter harmonizing into a luscious, silky filling with just a touch of salt to elevate every flavor note.
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought): Your foundation for buttery flakiness that holds all that sweet filling beautifully.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Adds richness and helps create the silky texture of the filling.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the natural sweetness of honey without overpowering it.
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal: Provides subtle texture and a rustic touch to the filling.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and ties the sweet and savory elements together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces warmth and depth to the honey’s sweetness.
- ¾ cup honey: The star ingredient, supplying natural floral sweetness and a distinctive character.
- 3 large eggs: Give structure to the pie while keeping the filling creamy.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Contributes to the pie’s luscious, velvety finish.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor.
- Flaky sea salt for topping: The final flourish that provides bursts of savory contrast with each bite.
How to Make Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s perfectly hot when the pie is ready to go in. Gently place your chosen pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp the edges to give it that classic pie look. Set the crust aside while you mix the filling—it’s the groundwork for everything delicious that follows.
Step 2: Combine Your Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, cornmeal, and salt until smooth and well combined. The cornmeal might seem unusual, but it adds a lovely texture and depth you don’t want to skip. Then pour in the vanilla extract and honey, folding gently to create a velvety honey base packed with natural sweetness and aromatic notes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Cream for Creaminess
Beat the eggs in one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step is essential for achieving a custard-like smoothness without any lumps. Once your eggs are fully mixed in, whisk in the heavy cream and apple cider vinegar. This mixture should feel silky and pourable—the perfect filling consistency.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Carefully pour your luscious filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top evenly. Pop the pie into the oven and let it bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You want the center to be just set with a slight puff—think gently trembling but not liquid. The edges should turn a stunning golden brown that signals it’s time to come out. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before moving to the final flourish.
Step 5: Finish with Flaky Sea Salt
Just before serving, sprinkle the pie generously with flaky sea salt. This simple touch might seem small but it’s the signature that brings that salty-sweet balance to life, transforming each bite into a nuanced flavor experience.
How to Serve Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While the flaky sea salt on its own is a showstopper, you can elevate the presentation with a delicate drizzle of extra honey or a few sprigs of fresh thyme for an herbal accent. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a lovely visual touch without overshadowing the flavors.
Side Dishes
This pie shines as a standalone dessert but pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a seasonal twist, fresh berries or lightly toasted nuts on the side add texture and a burst of freshness that complements the pie’s richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the Salted Honey Pie Recipe in mini tart pans for individual portions that wow guests with both flavor and presentation. Alternatively, try layering slices with a smear of honey butter or serving alongside a small glass of dessert wine to celebrate its southern-inspired roots.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It maintains its delightful texture and flavor for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy schedules or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to indulge later, you can freeze the pie wrapped securely in plastic wrap and foil. It stays delicious for up to one month in the freezer. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
Reheating
While the Salted Honey Pie Recipe is generally enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, warming it slightly can release the honey’s aromas beautifully. Reheat in a low oven, around 300 degrees Fahrenheit, for 10 to 15 minutes, but avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp and flaky.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought crust works wonderfully if you’re short on time, but making your own adds a lovely handmade touch that’s worth the effort when you can.
What type of honey is best for the Salted Honey Pie Recipe?
For a richer, more complex flavor, opt for a darker or more robust honey like buckwheat or wildflower. These honeys deepen the pie’s taste and complement the salt beautifully.
Is the apple cider vinegar taste noticeable in the pie?
The vinegar adds a subtle brightness that balances the sweetness without being detectable. It acts like a little flavor enhancer, much like lemon juice does in other desserts.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
While this traditional recipe relies on eggs, butter, and cream for its texture and richness, you can experiment with vegan substitutes like flax eggs and coconut cream, although the texture will differ somewhat from the original.
Should I serve the pie chilled or at room temperature?
Either way works beautifully! The pie tastes fantastic slightly chilled or at room temperature, so pick whichever suits your preference or timing best.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a little magic to your dessert lineup, the Salted Honey Pie Recipe is a must-try. Its perfect harmony of sweet honey and flaky salt, wrapped in a tender crust, is a simple yet stunning way to impress anyone lucky enough to dig in. Trust me, once you make this pie, it’s going to become one of your all-time favorites to share with friends and family.
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Salted Honey Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salted Honey Pie is a delightful American dessert featuring a flaky pie crust filled with a smooth, honey-sweetened custard accented by a touch of cornmeal and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This easy-to-make pie offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making it an ideal treat served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup honey
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Topping
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Place the 9-inch pie crust into a pie pan, crimp the edges neatly, and set aside for the filling.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, and salt until well combined.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and honey until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat the eggs into the mixture one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Finish Filling: Whisk in the heavy cream and apple cider vinegar, creating a silky, smooth filling mixture.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the prepared filling into the pie crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly puffed while the edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add Topping and Serve: Once cooled, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before serving. Serve at room temperature or chilled according to preference.
Notes
- Best served slightly chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
- Use a darker, more robust honey for a deeper honey flavor.
- A light drizzle of extra honey on top just before serving adds a lovely sweetness.
