If you’re craving a dessert that balances sweet and salty in the most delightful way, then you absolutely need to try this Salted Honey Pie Recipe. This pie brings together the rich, luscious sweetness of honey with a subtle salty kick, creating a silky filling inside a crisp, buttery crust. Every bite melts in your mouth with hints of vanilla and a satisfying crunch from the flaky sea salt on top. It’s a dessert that is as simple to make as it is impressive to serve, and it’s perfect for both everyday treats and special celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but incredibly important. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s building the pie’s smooth texture, enhancing its sweetness, or adding that perfect little salty contrast.
- 1 9-inch pie crust, pre-baked (homemade or store-bought): The sturdy, flaky base that holds all the luscious filling.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Adds richness and a velvety texture to your filling.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pie while balancing the honey’s natural floral notes.
- 2 tablespoons fine cornmeal: Gives subtle texture and helps thicken the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and lays the foundation for that salted touch.
- 3/4 cup honey: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and depth.
- 3 large eggs: Binds the custard together, ensuring a creamy yet set consistency.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Imparts richness and smoothness to the pie filling.
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar: Adds subtle brightness and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aromatic complexity.
- Flaky sea salt, for topping: The final flourish that makes each bite unforgettable.
How to Make Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures the pie bakes evenly and the filling sets perfectly without overcooking the crust.
Step 2: Mix the Butter, Sugar, Cornmeal, and Salt
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, fine cornmeal, and salt until you get a smooth mixture. The combination of these dry and wet ingredients forms a flavorful base for the filling and the cornmeal adds a subtle texture that makes the pie even more special.
Step 3: Whisk in the Honey, Eggs, Cream, Vinegar, and Vanilla
Add the honey, eggs, heavy cream, white vinegar, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk everything thoroughly until the mixture is silky and fully blended. This custard-like filling holds the luscious flavors you adore in this Salted Honey Pie Recipe.
Step 4: Pour the Filling into the Pre-Baked Crust
Transfer the creamy filling into your pre-baked pie crust with care. Make sure the crust is cool enough so the filling doesn’t melt the bottom, which keeps your crust crisp and perfectly textured.
Step 5: Bake Until Just Set
Bake the pie for about 45 to 50 minutes. The key is to bake it until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly — that jiggle means the custard will firm up nicely as it cools. If the crust edges brown too fast, just cover them with foil to protect from over-browning.
Step 6: Let the Pie Cool and Chill
Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, then pop it in the fridge for at least two hours. Chilling not only firm ups the texture but intensifies the flavor, making every slice a dream come true.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch with Flaky Sea Salt
Just before serving, sprinkle generous flaky sea salt on top. This final salty pop contrasts beautifully with the sweet honey filling, creating a perfectly balanced bite that’s utterly addictive.
How to Serve Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While the flaky sea salt alone is a fantastic garnish, you can also add a drizzle of extra honey or a few toasted nuts like pecans or almonds to introduce additional texture and flavors. A light dusting of powdered sugar also makes for a pretty presentation.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to complement the honey’s warmth. Fresh berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream can bring freshness and lighten every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try serving individual mini pies using small tart shells with the same filling and finish with sea salt and edible flowers. Alternatively, cutting the pie into smaller bite-size squares makes for a great party finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and chilled, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator. The Salted Honey Pie Recipe stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked pie without the salt topping for up to 1 month. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and sprinkle the flaky sea salt fresh.
Reheating
This pie is best served chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warm, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or place them in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes. Always add flaky salt after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A high-quality store-bought pre-baked crust works wonderfully and saves time, making the Salted Honey Pie Recipe quick and easy.
What kind of honey is best to use?
Use a mild-flavored honey like clover or wildflower to keep the sweetness balanced without overpowering the pie’s delicate flavors.
Why is cornmeal added to the filling?
Cornmeal helps absorb some of the moisture for a firmer custard and adds a pleasant subtle texture that makes the pie extra special.
How can I tell when the pie is done baking?
The edges should be set and firm, but the center should still jiggle a little when gently shaken. This ensures the filling won’t be overcooked and dry.
Is the flaky sea salt essential?
Yes! The flaky sea salt topping brings the perfect salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the honey’s sweetness, completing the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Honey Pie Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels both comforting and elegant. It’s simple enough for an impromptu treat but impressive enough to share with family and friends at any gathering. I can’t wait for you to make it and experience the sweet-and-salty bliss firsthand. Trust me, this pie will quickly become a beloved favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Salted Honey Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Salted Honey Pie is a decadent dessert with a rich honey-sweetened filling balanced by a touch of flaky sea salt. Encased in a flaky pre-baked pie crust, the filling combines melted butter, sugar, cornmeal, honey, eggs, cream, vinegar, and vanilla for a smooth, silky custard that bakes to a luscious texture with a slightly jiggle in the center. Perfectly chilled before serving, the pie offers a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors that will impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust, pre-baked (homemade or store-bought)
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fine cornmeal
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup honey
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 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 ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your salted honey pie.
- Mix the base ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, cornmeal, and salt until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Add remaining filling ingredients: Incorporate the honey, eggs, heavy cream, white vinegar, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Whisk thoroughly until the filling becomes silky and fully blended.
- Fill the crust: Pour the luscious honey filling evenly into the pre-baked 9-inch pie crust, ensuring a smooth surface.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Monitor closely; the edges should be set while the center still jiggles slightly. If the pie crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and chill: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set the filling.
- Finish with flaky sea salt: Just before serving, sprinkle the top of the pie with flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet and salty contrast in each bite.
Notes
- Using a pre-baked pie crust prevents sogginess and ensures a crisp base.
- Keep an eye on the pie during baking to avoid overbrowning the crust; use foil as needed.
- The vinegar helps balance the richness and enhances the flavor complexity.
- For best texture and flavor, chill the pie thoroughly before slicing.
- Flaky sea salt adds the perfect finishing touch—don’t skip it!
