Name: Irresistible Salted Honey Pie: A Cozy Southern Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 185 min
Ingredients: 1 9-inch Pie Crust (Homemade or store-bought, blind-baked); 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Melted and cooled slightly); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Standard variety); 1/4 cup Cornmeal (Fine grind recommended); 1/4 teaspoon Salt (Table or kosher salt); 1 tablespoon White Vinegar or Lemon Juice (Interchangeable); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Substitute with essence if needed); 1 cup Honey (Wildflower or clover recommended); 3 large Large Eggs (Room temperature); 1 cup Heavy Cream (Or full-fat coconut cream for dairy-free); 1 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt (For sprinkling on top)

As I stood watching the golden crust rise, a familiar warmth enveloped me, taking me back to lazy afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen. There’s something magical about creating a dessert like Salted Honey Pie, a Southern classic that intertwines sweet and savory in the best of ways. The silky honey custard filling, embraced by a buttery crust and finished with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt, transforms ordinary ingredients into an unforgettable experience. This elegant pie is not only a showstopper for any gathering but also a comforting treat to enjoy after a long day. Whipping up this delightful dessert is quick and simple, making it the perfect solution for those who crave homemade goodness over fast food. Ready to indulge in this sweet and salty sensation? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why is Salted Honey Pie a Must-Try?

Uniqueness Unleashed: This pie melds sweet honey with a pinch of salt, creating a delightful balance that’s truly irresistible.
Comforting Familiarity: It brings nostalgic flavors reminiscent of home, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Effortless Elegance: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, impressing your guests has never been easier.
Versatile Serving: Pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast that elevates every bite.
Quick to Make: Ready in just a few hours, it’s a time-saving dessert that satisfies your cravings for homemade goodness, just like our Honey Butter Chicken.
Cultural Charm: Rooted in Southern tradition, it connects you with comfort and joy, making every slice a celebration.

Salted Honey Pie Ingredients

• Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful Salted Honey Pie.

For the Pie Crust

Pie Crust – Use either homemade or store-bought; just be sure it’s blind-baked for the best results.

For the Filling

Unsalted Butter – This adds a rich flavor; melt it and let it cool slightly before using.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the filling perfectly; keep it standard unless dietary needs dictate otherwise.
Cornmeal – Helps set the filling while providing a smooth texture; fine grind is best for this recipe.
Salt – Enhances sweetness; either table or kosher salt works well.
White Vinegar or Lemon Juice – Brings a bright contrast to the flavors; feel free to interchange both.
Vanilla Extract – Enriches the sweetness; you can substitute it with vanilla essence if needed.
Honey – The star of the show, providing sweet and floral notes; wildflower or clover honey is ideal.
Large Eggs – Bind the filling together; use room temperature eggs for extra smoothness.
Heavy Cream – Adds creaminess; for a dairy-free twist, full-fat coconut cream is a lovely alternative.
Flaky Sea Salt – For that final touch of flavor; Maldon sea salt is recommended to top your pie.

Be ready to indulge in this delightful Salted Honey Pie!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Honey Pie

Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a 9-inch pie crust—homemade or store-bought—and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Fill with pie weights or dried beans, then bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are lightly brown. Carefully remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes until the crust is golden, then let it cool completely.

Step 2: Mix Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, fine cornmeal, and salt. Add in white vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla extract, and the star of this Salted Honey Pie—honey. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is well-combined and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps from the cornmeal, creating a luscious filling.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs
Once the mixture is smooth, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack each large egg into the bowl one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. This process incorporates air and ensures a silky texture. After all eggs are mixed in, pour in the heavy cream and whisk again until everything is fully blended into a creamy, homogeneous mixture ready to fill the crust.

Step 4: Fill Crust
Carefully pour the honey custard filling into your pre-baked pie crust, ensuring it settles evenly. To avoid spills, place the filled pie crust on a baking sheet. This step will facilitate easy handling and catch any overflow during baking. The beautifully combined filling will showcase its silky texture, ready to be transformed into a delightful Salted Honey Pie.

Step 5: Bake
Slide the pie into the oven and set the temperature down to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, observing the filling closely. When it sets but still has a slight jiggle in the center, it’s done. If the edges begin to brown too quickly, tent the pie with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This cooling period allows the filling to set fully, ensuring each slice maintains its shape beautifully. The rich aromas will fill your kitchen, promising a delicious treat to savor.

Step 7: Finish
Just before serving this show-stopping Salted Honey Pie, sprinkle a generous pinch of flaky sea salt on top. This finishing touch will enhance the flavors and provide a lovely visual contrast. Slice into this elegant dessert, ready to share with friends or family—a true Southern delight that beckons to be enjoyed.

What to Serve with Salted Honey Pie

A delightful dessert deserves the perfect companions to elevate your dining experience and create lasting memories.

Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream balances the pie’s richness and adds a luxurious touch.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts the warm pie’s texture and enhances its sweet flavors, making each bite heavenly.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or tart raspberries provide a refreshing burst of flavor, creating a delightful balance to the sweet and salty notes of the pie.
Coffee or Espresso: A rich cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso adds depth and complements the pie’s sweet and salty profile, perfect for winding down after a meal.
Citrus Salad: A light citrus salad with oranges and grapefruits brings a zesty brightness that contrasts beautifully with the pie’s texture, cleansing the palate in between bites.
Dark Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkling a few dark chocolate shavings on top enhances the dessert’s elegance and brings a touch of bitterness to offset the sweetness.
Hazelnut Brittle: Crunchy hazelnut brittle offers a delightful texture contrast and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling of the salted honey pie.
Mint Tea: A soothing cup of mint tea provides a refreshing, herbal note that cleanses the palate and enhances your dessert experience.

How to Store and Freeze Salted Honey Pie

Fridge: Store the pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps it fresh and ready to indulge in at any moment.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Slice Preparation: For the best texture when serving leftovers, allow the pie to come to room temperature or warm it slightly in the oven before slicing.

Serving Tip: Always finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving to reignite that delightful flavor balance in your Salted Honey Pie.

Make Ahead Options

These Salted Honey Pies are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the pie crust up to 24 hours in advance. Simply blind-bake the crust and let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The custard filling can be mixed up to 3 days ahead of time; store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its fresh flavor. When you’re ready to serve, pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and bake as instructed. This way, you can enjoy all the deliciousness with minimal last-minute effort, and your guests will still be treated to that just-baked warmth!

Salted Honey Pie Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your Salted Honey Pie and mix things up in the kitchen. Let your taste buds lead the way!

Maple Twist: Swap honey for maple syrup for a cozy, earthy flavor that’s perfect for autumn.
Dairy-Free Option: Use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a delicious dairy-free alternative that maintains creaminess.
Spiced Elegance: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, inviting aroma that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Zesty Note: A splash of orange or lemon zest brightens the filling, providing a fresh twist that enhances its flavors.
Nutty Essence: Stir in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the silky texture.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the pie before serving for an indulgent touch that brings a rich bitterness to the sweet dessert.
Almond Extract: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a unique nutty flavor that adds a lovely depth.
Healthy Sweetener: If you want to cut back on sugar, agave syrup can be used as a lighter alternative to honey, bringing its own subtle flavor profile.

Discover more delicious recipes to try, like our mouthwatering Honey Bbq Chicken or the rich, creamy Honey Pepper Chicken too! Let the flavors guide you as you make this recipe your own.

Expert Tips for Perfect Salted Honey Pie

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Begin with room temperature eggs and heavy cream for a smoother filling, avoiding unwanted lumps.
Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing; this preserves the filling’s texture and prevents it from becoming runny.
Blind Baking is Key: Skipping the blind baking step can lead to a soggy crust. Always bake it until golden to ensure crispness.
Quality Honey Matters: Choose high-quality honey for a deeper, richer flavor in your Salted Honey Pie—wildflower or clover varieties are excellent choices.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye during the last minutes of baking; the filling should be set but slightly jiggly at the center for the best texture.
Flaky Sea Salt Finish: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving enhances the flavors beautifully and adds a sophisticated touch to your pie.

Salted Honey Pie Recipe FAQs

What type of honey should I use for the Salted Honey Pie?
I recommend using high-quality wildflower or clover honey, as they provide the best flavor and fragrance. These varieties add a delightful sweetness and floral note to your pie, enhancing the overall taste.

How should I store leftovers?
Store your Salted Honey Pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps maintain its creamy texture and delightful flavor, making it easy to enjoy a slice whenever you crave something sweet!

Can I freeze the Salted Honey Pie?
Absolutely! Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving. Remember to bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly for the best experience.

What if my pie crust is soggy?
To avoid a soggy crust, ensure you fully blind-bake the crust until golden brown, as instructed. If you notice a soggy crust despite following the steps, it could be due to excess moisture in the filling or undercooking the crust. Prevention is key—cook it thoroughly to create that perfect base for your yummy filling!

Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary reasons?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Also, use a suitable sweetener alternative if you’re looking to reduce sugar. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and texture of your Salted Honey Pie.

What’s the trick to getting a smooth filling?
Use room temperature eggs and cream to help achieve a smooth consistency. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. This ensures air is properly mixed in, contributing to a lush filling that sets beautifully after baking.