Salted Honey Pie Recipe

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There is something truly magical about the way sweet meets salty in a Salted Honey Pie. This delightful dessert brings together a golden, tender crust with a luscious, smooth filling that’s rich with buttery honey sweetness and a perfect touch of flaky sea salt. Every bite melts effortlessly on your tongue, offering a complex balance of flavors that feels both comforting and refreshingly sophisticated. If you’re craving a pie that feels like a warm hug and a little celebration all at once, this Salted Honey Pie will quickly become your new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients; each one plays a vital role in creating the signature texture and flavor of the Salted Honey Pie. From the sweetness of pure honey to the delicate crunch of cornmeal in the filling, every element works in harmony for a pie that’s as unique as it is delicious.

• Pie crust: A 9-inch crust, either homemade or store-bought, provides the buttery, flaky foundation for this dessert.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, it adds richness without overpowering the honey’s natural sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps with the pie’s lovely caramelized texture.
• Cornmeal (fine grind): Offers a subtle grainy texture that sets this pie apart from others.
• Salt: Just a pinch heightens all the flavors and balances the honey’s sweetness beautifully.
• White vinegar or lemon juice: Adds a slight tang that lightens the richness of the filling.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the pie with aromatic warmth and depth.
• Honey: The star ingredient, preferably wildflower or clover, giving the pie its signature floral sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind the filling and create that luscious, custard-like consistency.
• Heavy cream: Makes the filling silky and smooth, rounding out the texture.
• Flaky sea salt: To sprinkle on top, delivering that addictive salty crunch in every bite.

How to Make Salted Honey Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Your Salted Honey Pie starts with a perfectly blind-baked pie crust. Chilling the dough prevents shrinking, and lining it with foil or parchment paper along with pie weights ensures a sturdy, crisp base that will hold your luscious filling without becoming soggy. Bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until it’s golden and firm. Let it cool slightly before adding the filling so everything stays in place.

Step 2: Mix the Filling Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, cornmeal, salt, vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla extract, and honey until smooth and well combined. This mixture might look a little grainy thanks to the cornmeal, but that’s exactly what gives the pie its signature texture and subtle crunch. The vinegar or lemon juice is a small but essential addition—it brightens the flavors and balances the honey’s sweetness perfectly.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Cream

Add the eggs one by one, whisking well after each addition to create a silky-smooth custard base. Finally, stir in the heavy cream until the filling is velvety and cohesive, ready to be poured into the crust. This step ensures your pie will set with a custard-like texture that feels indulgent but never heavy.

Step 4: Bake the Salted Honey Pie

Pour the filling carefully into your pre-baked crust and place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes, watching for that gentle jiggle in the center—that’s the sign your pie is perfectly set. If the crust starts browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning. When done, cool the pie completely on a wire rack—this resting period allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up just right.

Step 5: Finish with Flaky Sea Salt

Just before serving, sprinkle your Salted Honey Pie generously with flaky sea salt like Maldon. This small, final touch adds bursts of savory contrast that make every slice feel completely irresistible and beautifully balanced.

How to Serve Salted Honey Pie

Garnishes

A simple garnish of flaky sea salt is the star when serving Salted Honey Pie, but you can elevate the presentation by adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a few toasted nuts for crunch. A drizzle of extra honey or a few edible flowers can add a stunning, inviting touch if you want to impress guests.

Side Dishes

Salted Honey Pie pairs beautifully with light accompaniments like fresh berries or a mild vanilla ice cream to complement its richness. For a cozy dessert spread, consider serving it alongside a cup of herbal tea or rich coffee—the warm flavors harmonize perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual mini Salted Honey Pies in ramekins for an elegant dinner party. Another fun idea is to create a dessert platter featuring pie slices, honeycomb pieces, and assorted nuts, inviting everyone to mix and match flavors. Regardless of presentation, the pie’s golden color and glossy surface always make it a centerpiece that draws attention immediately.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salted Honey Pie keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out while preserving that moist, tender texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this pie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to one month. To thaw, simply move it to the fridge overnight, allowing it to gently come back to the perfect texture without losing any flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy your Salted Honey Pie warm, reheat slices in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can alter the texture and make the filling rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust for Salted Honey Pie?

Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought crust works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure to blind bake it properly to keep the crust crisp and firm for the filling.

What type of honey is best for this pie?

Wildflower or clover honey are excellent choices due to their balanced sweetness and floral notes, which enhance the pie’s natural flavor without overpowering it.

Is cornmeal essential in the filling?

Yes, the fine grind cornmeal gives the filling a unique, slightly grainy texture that sets this pie apart and provides a subtle crunch that complements the silky custard.

Can I make Salted Honey Pie dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or another non-dairy cream in place of heavy cream to keep the luscious texture, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.

Why is there vinegar or lemon juice in the recipe?

The vinegar or lemon juice adds a gentle acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter and honey, balancing the sweetness and giving the filling a subtle brightness.

Final Thoughts

The Salted Honey Pie is truly a gem in any baker’s repertoire—a deliciously sweet, subtly salty, and wonderfully textured treat that invites everyone to savor each slice. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply craving something extraordinary, this pie never fails to bring joy and smiles around the table. Give this recipe a try and discover how one pie can become your forever favorite dessert.

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