Salted Honey Pie Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth with a fondness for a touch of savory, you are going to adore this Salted Honey Pie. This delightful dessert comes together with a luscious, silky filling kissed by rich honey sweetness and perfectly contrasted by a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The subtle cornmeal in the filling adds a unique texture and a hint of earthiness that makes every bite feel so special. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re a seasoned pie enthusiast, this Salted Honey Pie brings comfort and elegance to any table with its golden crust and glossy, rich center.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples, but together they create a magical balance of flavor and texture for the Salted Honey Pie. Each component plays an essential role, from the buttery crust providing a crisp base to the sweet and creamy filling that melts in your mouth.

• Pie crust: A 9-inch pie crust acts as the sturdy and buttery foundation, whether homemade or store-bought, it should be blind baked for a perfect crisp bottom.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, it lends richness and helps bind the filling while keeping the flavor pure.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling evenly and balances the natural honey sweetness.
• Cornmeal: Adds a subtle, pleasing grainy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that enhances the pie’s complexity.
• Salt: A pinch in the filling contrasts the sweetness and brings out deeper flavors.
• White vinegar or lemon juice: Introduces a mild tang to cut through the richness and brighten the filling.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aromatic depth that’s essential for a dreamy dessert.
• Honey: The star ingredient with floral sweetness that defines this pie’s delicate charm—wildflower or clover varieties shine best.
• Eggs: Provide structure and creaminess while helping the filling set just right.
• Heavy cream: Rounds out the filling with luscious smoothness and a velvety finish.
• Flaky sea salt: The crowning touch sprinkled before serving, giving bursts of crunch and amplified flavor contrast.

How to Make Salted Honey Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by chilling your pie crust, then line it with foil or parchment and fill with pie weights. Blind bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. This process ensures a crisp, non-soggy base. Remove the weights and bake the crust another 5 minutes to dry it out completely. Let it cool slightly before filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, salt, white vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla extract, and honey until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The combination of these ingredients creates that luscious, slightly grainy filling that sets the Salted Honey Pie apart from others.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Cream

Add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition. This step helps the filling emulsify, so it comes out silky and smooth. Stir in the heavy cream last, folding it gently to maintain the creamy texture without overbeating.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Pour the filling into your pre-baked crust, then place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a filling that’s just set but still slightly jiggly in the middle—this gives you that perfect creamy texture. If you notice the crust browning too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Once out of the oven, allow your Salted Honey Pie to cool on a wire rack for at least two hours. This step is crucial as it lets the filling finish setting and develop its full, rich flavor. Patience here truly pays off.

How to Serve Salted Honey Pie

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle the pie generously with flaky sea salt, like Maldon. This little finishing touch pulls the sweetness forward and adds a delightful crunchy texture. For an extra touch of elegance, you can drizzle a bit more honey or add a few fresh edible flowers to brighten the presentation.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with a light side to balance its richness. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream complements the honey’s floral notes and cools the palate between bites. For a refreshing twist, serve with a small side of fresh berries or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, which adds a zesty contrast to the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, consider slicing the Salted Honey Pie into small tartlets or mini pie bites—perfect for sharing and elegant enough for afternoon tea. You can also place thin slices on a rustic wooden board alongside nuts, cheeses, and honeycomb for a sophisticated dessert platter that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Salted Honey Pie covered with plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making each slice even more irresistible the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, allow the pie to come to room temperature first, then warm it gently in a low oven (about 275°F or 135°C) for 10–15 minutes. This keeps the filling creamy and soft without drying it out. Avoid microwave reheating as it can alter the texture unpleasantly.

FAQs

Can I use different types of honey for Salted Honey Pie?

Yes! The flavor of the honey directly impacts the pie’s taste. Wildflower or clover honey offer a mild, floral sweetness that works beautifully, but you can experiment with other types like orange blossom or buckwheat for a richer or more complex profile.

Is cornmeal necessary in the filling?

Cornmeal is essential for adding that lovely texture and a slight grainy bite that distinguishes this pie from other custards. Using a fine grind ensures it blends well without being gritty.

Can this pie be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free pie crust in place of the traditional 9-inch crust. The filling itself has no gluten, so just make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to keep the pie safe for those with sensitivities.

Why does the recipe include vinegar or lemon juice?

The acid from vinegar or lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter and cream, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the depth of flavor in the filling. It’s a subtle but important addition.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The filling should be mostly set with only a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pie. This ensures it will firm up perfectly as it cools, with a creamy, custard-like texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking and sharing a Salted Honey Pie—it’s that perfect harmony of sweet, salty, creamy, and crisp that hugs your taste buds and invites you back for more. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and discover how a few simple ingredients can come together to create such a memorable, heartwarming dessert. Your friends and family will thank you, and you just might find a new favorite to add to your baking repertoire.

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