If you have a sweet tooth with a penchant for a subtle, sophisticated twist, then this Salted Honey Pie Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a silky, custard-like filling sweetened with golden honey, perfectly complemented by a hint of salt that elevates every bite. It’s a dessert that manages to be both indulgent and delicate, bringing warmth and comfort wrapped in an inviting flaky crust. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply a weekday treat, this Salted Honey Pie Recipe will make you feel instantly proud and utterly delighted with each slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Salted Honey Pie Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work together in perfect harmony. Each item plays a vital role, from the buttery crust that cradles the filling to the creamy texture and contrasting flavors that make this dessert so unforgettable.
- Pie crust (1 9-inch): Either homemade for that personal touch or store-bought for convenience, the base of your pie must be flaky and sturdy.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted and cooled): Adds richness and helps bind the filling while enhancing the overall creaminess.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering the gentle honey notes.
- Cornmeal (2 tablespoons): Gives a slight texture and helps thicken the filling delicately.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the complex flavors in the honey.
- Honey (⅓ cup): The star ingredient, natural and fragrant, providing that signature sweetness and depth.
- Large eggs (3): Essential for setting the custard and giving it a luscious, creamy structure.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Enhances the richness and velvety texture of the filling.
- White vinegar (2 teaspoons): A subtle acidity that brightens the pie’s overall taste without being tart.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, inviting aroma that complements the honey beautifully.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): Sprinkled right before serving, it amplifies the salted-sweet magic of the pie.
How to Make Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Gently place your 9-inch pie crust into a pie dish and crimp those edges to create a charming border. This crust will serve as the buttery, flaky vessel that holds all the wonderful gooey filling together, so make sure it fits nicely and looks presentable.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients with Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted and cooled butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is perfectly smooth. This blend sets the base for your filling and ensures that every bite has just the right balance of sweetness and texture.
Step 3: Add Honey and Eggs
Stir the honey into the mixture until it’s fully incorporated, releasing its natural floral sweetness. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to maintain a creamy and smooth consistency. These eggs are crucial—they give structure and richness to the pie filling, helping it set beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Mix in Cream, Vinegar, and Vanilla
To finish the filling, stir in the heavy cream, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. The cream adds luxurious texture, the vinegar adds a whisper of brightness, and the vanilla ties everything together with a soothing aroma that invites you in.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Pour your luscious filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, watching closely for the pie’s center to be set but still slightly wobbly—this ensures a silky custard texture. If the crust edges brown too quickly, loosely tent them with foil to prevent burning while the filling finishes cooking.
Step 6: Cool and Salt
Once baked, let your pie cool completely at room temperature. The cooling process helps the custard to firm up just right. Then, sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt over the top to finish it off with a perfect salted contrast that elevates the honey’s sweetness into something extraordinary.
How to Serve Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A delicate dusting of flaky sea salt is an absolute must for that special salty-sweet kick. For an added touch of elegance, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a quenelle of vanilla ice cream melts into the warm custard harmoniously, making every bite a decadent treat.
Side Dishes
This Salted Honey Pie Recipe shines beautifully on its own, but pairing it with lightly brewed tea or a robust cup of coffee complements the pie’s complexity. For a refreshing contrast, fresh berries or a simple fruit salad adds brightness and a pop of color to your dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pie in individual mini tart crusts for charming single servings at a gathering, or sprinkle finely chopped nuts like toasted pecans or almonds on top for added crunch and nuttiness. You can even drizzle a little extra honey over each slice just before serving for that show-stopping syrupy glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your pie, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Salted Honey Pie will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, allowing you to savor its magic for longer.
Freezing
Freezing this pie isn’t highly recommended due to its delicate custard texture, but if you must, wrap it very well in multiple layers of plastic wrap and foil to protect it from freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and note the texture may be slightly softer upon reheating.
Reheating
For the best experience, warm individual slices gently in the oven at low heat (around 300°F) for 5-10 minutes. This helps refresh the pie’s aroma and texture without melting the custard entirely. Remember, this pie is delicious served chilled or at room temperature if you prefer a cooler treat.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this Salted Honey Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! A quality store-bought pie crust works wonderfully here and saves time without compromising flavor or texture. Just be sure it fits your pan and is properly crimped for the best results.
What type of honey is best for this pie?
While any honey will work, darker honeys like buckwheat or wildflower bring a richer, more complex flavor to the pie. Lighter honeys create a more delicate sweetness, so you can adjust based on your preference.
Why is white vinegar added to the filling?
The vinegar adds a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully. It’s a small ingredient that makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with a rich non-dairy alternative like coconut cream, though the texture may vary slightly. Also, ensure your pie crust is dairy-free if using store-bought.
How can I tell when the pie is perfectly baked?
The pie is done when the edges are set, and the center is slightly wobbly but not liquid. It will firm up as it cools, giving you that creamy custard consistency everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Salted Honey Pie Recipe a try—it’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug and a little celebration all at once. With its irresistible combo of sweet honey and flaky sea salt, it’s bound to become a favorite in your dessert rotation, leaving your friends and family asking for seconds. Happy baking!
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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 delightful American dessert featuring a rich, custard-like honey filling baked in a buttery pie crust. The perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors combined with a smooth texture makes this pie an irresistible treat, topped with flaky sea salt for an added touch of sophistication.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ready it for baking the pie.
- Prepare the crust: Place the 9-inch pie crust into a pie dish, gently pressing and crimping the edges for a decorative finish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted, cooled butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add honey: Stir in the honey thoroughly to integrate it with the dry mixture.
- Incorporate eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next.
- Add cream, vinegar, and vanilla: Stir in the heavy cream, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until the filling is smooth and uniformly blended.
- Fill the crust: Pour the prepared filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the pie: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly. To prevent over-browning, cover the crust edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
- Cool the pie: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature to finish setting.
- Add finishing touch: Just before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top to enhance the sweet and salty flavor contrast.
Notes
- This pie is best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled for a firmer texture.
- For a richer flavor, try using a darker honey variety like buckwheat or wildflower honey.
- Pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
