Get ready to fall absolutely in love with Salted Honey Pie, a Southern-inspired dessert that’s the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and just a touch savory. Each silky bite bursts with golden honey flavor, hugged in a buttery crust, and finished with a hint of flaky sea salt that keeps you coming back for “just one more” sliver. Simple yet sophisticated, it’s a showstopper for gatherings or an easy treat to brighten any weeknight. Trust me, if you haven’t baked Salted Honey Pie before, now’s your moment!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Salted Honey Pie comes from a handful of carefully chosen ingredients, each one playing a unique and crucial role in its signature flavor and irresistible texture. From luscious honey to the all-important flaky sea salt, every component is essential for turning out the most unforgettable slice.
- Pie crust (9-inch, homemade or store-bought): The crisp, buttery foundation that holds your dreamy honey custard—chill well to prevent soggy bottoms!
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and that lovely velvety texture to the filling.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the custard and helps create a golden finish.
- Cornmeal (2 tablespoons): A secret Southern trick for subtle texture and a rustic, slightly toothsome bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and balances out the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and brings aromatic warmth to the pie.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Contributes to that irresistibly creamy, rich custard filling.
- Honey (1 1/4 cups): The undoubted star—choose the best, most flavorful honey you can find for the brightest flavor.
- Eggs (3 large) plus 1 egg yolk: Helps the filling set beautifully while giving the pie structure and a gorgeous custard texture.
- Flaky sea salt (1 teaspoon, for topping): The finishing flourish; it elevates every forkful and makes the sweetness sing.
How to Make Salted Honey Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by placing your 9-inch pie crust into a pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges for a decorative touch—it’s a small detail that makes your Salted Honey Pie look straight out of a bakery window. Pop the crust in the freezer for about 10 minutes to help it hold its shape during baking. Then, cover the crust with parchment paper, fill it with pie weights (or dried beans), and blind bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment and weights, and bake for another 5 minutes to get that perfect golden hue.
Step 2: Mix the Luscious Filling
While the crust bakes, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, salt, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture is well combined. Next, pour in the cream and sweet honey—take a moment to appreciate the aroma! Add in the eggs and extra yolk, then whisk everything together until your filling is lovely, smooth, and cohesive.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Once your crust has par-baked, pour the honey filling into the warm shell. Place it back in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Check for doneness: the edges should be set but the center should still have a gentle jiggle, almost like a cheesecake. This ensures your Salted Honey Pie will be creamy and luscious, rather than dry or overcooked.
Step 4: Cool and Finish with Sea Salt
Remove your masterpiece from the oven and let it cool completely—this step is key for that custardy set. Just before serving, sprinkle the top generously with flaky sea salt. Not only does this add that distinctive “salted” bite, but it also looks absolutely gorgeous atop the glossy, golden pie surface.
How to Serve Salted Honey Pie
Garnishes
To truly make your Salted Honey Pie shine, add a generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a few fresh berries on the side. The fluffy cream or cold ice cream melts into the warm, sweet filling, giving you the most delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures in every bite.
Side Dishes
If you’d like to extend the moment, serve Salted Honey Pie alongside a hot cup of coffee, strong black tea, or a refreshing herbal infusion. For a Southern brunch, pair with fresh seasonal fruit or a simple cheese board to balance the rich sweetness of your pie.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up your Salted Honey Pie for special occasions by sprinkling a little edible gold dust or arranging edible flowers on top. Cut the pie into mini wedges or squares and serve on elegant platters for a party-friendly twist. You can even prepare mini Salted Honey Pies using tartlet pans for adorable single portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Salted Honey Pie holds up beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep them tasting as fresh as possible.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your Salted Honey Pie, allow it to cool completely, then wrap the whole pie or individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven until just warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as the filling can become loose if too hot—Salted Honey Pie is at its best just above room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! The character of your Salted Honey Pie will change depending on the honey you choose. A robust, dark honey gives a deeper flavor, while lighter honeys lend a more delicate, floral sweetness.
Do I have to blind bake the crust?
Blind baking prevents the dreaded soggy bottom and keeps the crust crisp under the custard filling. Don’t skip this step—it’s essential for perfect texture.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If cornmeal isn’t available, you can substitute a small amount of fine semolina or simply omit it for a silkier filling. However, cornmeal gives that subtle texture and helps the pie set nicely.
Can I make Salted Honey Pie ahead of time?
This pie is a fantastic make-ahead dessert! Bake it a day in advance, chill, and finish with sea salt right before serving. The flavors deepen and meld overnight, making it even better.
How do I know when the pie is done?
Look for set edges and a center that jiggles gently when you nudge the pan—very much like a custard or cheesecake. The residual heat will finish setting the pie after you pull it from the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a unique dessert that’s both nostalgic and a little bit special, Salted Honey Pie is guaranteed to impress. With its creamy texture, beautiful honey flavor, and that irresistible salty finish, it’s a slice of pure joy you’ll want to share—and keep coming back to. Give this recipe a try, and let it become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!
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Salted Honey Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes plus cooling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and salty goodness of Salted Honey Pie. This Southern-inspired dessert features a luscious honey filling with a hint of sea salt, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor profile.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 9-inch pie crust, homemade or store-bought
Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/4 cups honey
- 3 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
Topping:
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Prepare crust: Place pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, trim edges, and crimp. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes. Blind bake with weights, then bake uncovered until golden.
- Mix filling: Whisk together butter, sugar, cornmeal, salt, vanilla, cream, honey, eggs, and yolk until smooth.
- Bake: Pour filling into crust and bake until set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool and serve: Cool pie completely and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
Notes
- This pie is rich and best enjoyed in small slices.
- Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
