As I stood in the kitchen, the scent of honey wafting through the air made my heart race with anticipation. Today, I’m excited to share my take on the classic Salted Honey Pie—a delightful Southern dessert that blends sweet and salty in the most comforting way. This creamy honey custard, enveloped in a buttery crust and topped with flaky sea salt, is an elegant yet approachable dish that you can whip up for any occasion. With its straightforward preparation, this pie is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fantastic way to impress your friends and family without burning the midnight oil. Are you ready to take a bite of nostalgia and create something utterly delicious?
Why is Salted Honey Pie a Must-Try?
Irresistible Combination: The blend of sweet honey and savory sea salt creates an explosion of flavor that dances on your palate.
Comforting Simplicity: With just a handful of easy ingredients, even novice bakers can master this Southern delight.
Versatile Pairing: Serve warm, chilled, or with a dollop of whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or an intimate dinner, this pie always steals the show.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Your guests will rave about the unique flavors, making this pie a favored recipe in your repertoire!
For an even wider array of delicious flavors, explore my Honey Garlic Chicken or try a delightful Honey Sriracha Salmon Bowl alongside!
Salted Honey Pie Ingredients
Dive into creating the perfect Salted Honey Pie with these essential ingredients!
For the Pie Crust
- 9-inch Pie Crust – A homemade crust works wonders, but a store-bought option is a great time-saver; just be sure it’s blind baked before filling.
For the Filling
- Unsalted Butter – ½ cup, melted and slightly cooled; this adds luscious richness, but avoid salted butter to keep flavors balanced.
- Granulated Sugar – ¾ cup; this sweetens the filling beautifully, and you can adjust it based on your sweetness preference.
- Cornmeal – ¼ cup (fine grind); it provides necessary structure without any grittiness, a key component for the pie’s texture.
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon; it enhances the entire flavor profile—remember to balance it with your flaky sea salt topping!
- White Vinegar or Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon; both options add brightness, but lemon juice gives a delightful citrus twist.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon; use pure extract for an aromatic boost that complements the honey.
- Honey – ½ cup (preferably wildflower or clover); this is the star of our Salted Honey Pie, enhancing flavor and sweetness—so choose quality!
- Eggs – 3 large, at room temperature; they set the custard structure beautifully, ensuring a smooth blend.
- Heavy Cream – ½ cup; it contributes to the creamy indulgence; make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor!
Get ready to impress with this deliciously unique dessert that brings a delightful twist to any gathering!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Honey Pie
Step 1: Prepare Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Blind bake your chilled 9-inch pie crust by placing a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil over the crust, filling it with pie weights or dried beans to prevent bubbling. Bake for 12-15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment, and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly before filling.
Step 2: Make Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of melted, slightly cooled unsalted butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of cornmeal, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until well combined. Next, stir in 1 tablespoon of either white vinegar or lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ cup of honey until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs
Add 3 large room temperature eggs into the mixture, one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure a silky texture. Once fully combined, gently fold in ½ cup of heavy cream until the filling is velvety and well-blended. This will create the creamy custard base that makes the Salted Honey Pie irresistible.
Step 4: Combine
Carefully pour the honey custard filling into your pre-baked pie crust, making sure it is evenly distributed. To catch any potential spills, place the assembled pie on a baking sheet. This step is crucial for easy transfer to your oven and to avoid a messy cleanup.
Step 5: Bake Filling
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pie for 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle, indicating a creamy texture. If the crust edges are browning too quickly, cover them gently with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool
Once baked, transfer the pie to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely for at least 2 hours. This cooling period is vital, as it helps the custard set and ensures that the pie maintains its structure when sliced, letting you enjoy the delicious Salted Honey Pie at its best.
Step 7: Finish
Before serving, generously sprinkle the top of the chilled pie with flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavors that characterize this delightful dessert. Allow your Salted Honey Pie to shine, and prepare to impress your loved ones with every indulgent slice!
Salted Honey Pie Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to adapt this recipe to your taste and creativity for a truly personalized experience!
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Bourbon Boost: Replace vanilla extract with bourbon for a robust flavor twist that adds depth to the creamy custard.
Imagine the warmth and richness of bourbon elevating the overall taste, making each bite even more memorable. -
Honey Variety: Experiment with different types of honey, like orange blossom or wildflower, to create unique flavor profiles in your pie.
Each honey brings its own character, letting you discover delightful nuances that can surprise and please your palate. -
Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free pie crust for a deliciously inclusive dessert option that everyone can enjoy without missing out.
This allows those with dietary restrictions to indulge and savor the comforting sweetness of the Salted Honey Pie just like everyone else. -
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate crushed nuts—such as pecans or walnuts—into the crust for added texture and flavor.
The delightful crunch contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling, enhancing both the taste and mouthfeel of each slice. -
Coconut Cream Twist: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical flair that adds richness and a light coconut flavor.
This variation brings a whole new level of creaminess, making the pie exquisitely indulgent while keeping it deliciously unique. -
Spicy Honey: Use spicy honey or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a subtle kick that balances the sweetness.
The spice can elevate the pie’s complexity, intriguing your guests and making every bite an adventurous delight!
For additional culinary inspiration, don’t miss my Honey Garlic Chicken or try the scrumptious Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon as perfect companions to your sweet creations!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Honey Pie
Fridge: Keep leftover Salted Honey Pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled—both options are delightful!
Freezer: If you want to save some for later, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to serve.
Reheating: For a warm slice, gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or place in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through.
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Honey Pie are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the filling ingredients (butter, sugar, cornmeal, salt, vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla, honey, eggs, and heavy cream) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The blind-baked crust can be made and kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring you have a sturdy base ready for your delectable filling. When you’re ready to bake, simply pour the chilled filling into the crust and bake as directed. This way, you can achieve that delicious, creamy texture with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Salted Honey Pie
Creating the perfect meal doesn’t end with just the pie; envision a spread that enhances your experience and delights your taste buds.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries provide a refreshing, tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the pie.
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Whipped Cream: A fluffy dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luxurious creaminess that complements the silky pie perfectly.
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Ice Cream: Vanilla or honey-flavored ice cream melts into the pie, adding an extra dimension of sweetness and a delightful chill.
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Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce brings a decadent touch and harmonizes beautifully with the honey’s sweetness.
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Coffee: A steaming cup of rich coffee or espresso cuts through the creaminess with its bold flavor, making it an ideal drink pairing.
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Southern Pecan Pie Bars: For those who enjoy a variety of textures, serving these with the pie adds crunch and a different flavor experience.
The Salted Honey Pie undoubtedly shines on its own, but these pairings create a delightful symphony of flavors that turn a simple dessert into a memorable feast!
Expert Tips for Salted Honey Pie
- Perfect Temperature: Use room temperature eggs and cream to ensure a smoother filling that blends effortlessly. Cold ingredients can lead to lumps!
- Blind Baking: Never skip the blind baking step; it’s crucial for achieving a perfectly crisp and flaky crust that holds up under the creamy filling.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your pie as it bakes—check for a slight jiggle in the center; it will continue to set as it cools.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. It helps the custard firm up and maintain its shape beautifully.
- Quality Honey Matters: Use high-quality honey for the best flavor in your Salted Honey Pie. The taste of the pie will be noticeably better!
Salted Honey Pie Recipe FAQs
What type of honey is best for Salted Honey Pie?
Absolutely! I recommend using high-quality honey, preferably wildflower or clover varieties, as they greatly enhance the pie’s sweet and floral flavor. The better the honey, the more depth you’ll find in your pie!
How should I store leftover Salted Honey Pie?
To keep your Salted Honey Pie fresh, store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I often suggest bringing it to room temperature before serving, but it’s also delightful chilled or slightly warmed!
Can I freeze Salted Honey Pie?
Very! To freeze, wrap the complete pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This will keep it fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. For best results, reheat slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes.
What if my pie filling doesn’t set properly?
If your Salted Honey Pie filling isn’t setting well, it could be due to underbaking. Ensure that the center is just set with a slight jiggle when you pull it out of the oven. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack, as it continues to firm up as it cools.
Can I make Salted Honey Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance can enhance the flavors. Just store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. The pie tastes wonderful chilled, but don’t forget to sprinkle that flaky sea salt on top just before serving!
Are there any dietary concerns with this recipe?
Definitely keep in mind that this pie contains eggs, butter, and cream, which can be concerns for those with dairy allergies or egg sensitivities. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider plant-based substitutes, but do so cautiously, as they may alter texture and flavor.
Salted Honey Pie: Indulge in a Sweet Southern Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Blind bake the pie crust with weights for 12-15 minutes, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, and salt until combined. Stir in vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla extract, and honey until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Fold in heavy cream until the filling is velvety and well-blended.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Place the pie on a baking sheet.
- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-50 minutes until the center has a slight jiggle.
- Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before serving to enhance the flavors.
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