Scrolling through an old family cookbook, I stumbled upon a classic Southern treasure that instantly transported me back to simpler times: Salted Honey Pie. This delightful dessert marries the silky richness of honey custard with a perfectly flaky crust, all finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that irresistible sweet-and-salty flavor. What I adore about this recipe is its effortless elegance—perfect for special gatherings, yet surprisingly simple to whip up on a whim! Plus, it’s a fantastic showstopper that’ll leave your guests raving about your kitchen prowess. Ready to discover how to create this Southern-inspired masterpiece that balances both cozy comfort and refined taste? Let’s dive in!
Why is Salted Honey Pie a Must-Try?
Simplicity: This recipe is easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for seasoned chefs.
Elegant Presentation: A visually stunning dessert that showcases your culinary skills at any gathering.
Irresistible Flavor: The unique blend of sweet honey and savory sea salt creates a taste sensation that will wow your taste buds.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to customize with different sweeteners like maple syrup or explore flavor twists with almond extract!
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or get-togethers; it’s bound to be a favorite amongst your friends, just like the delightful Honey Hot Chicken or a comforting slice of Scotch Pie Warm.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time for stress-free hosting—just bring it to room temperature and serve!
Salted Honey Pie Ingredients
For the Crust
• 9-inch pie crust – A homemade or store-bought option is fine; just make sure it’s blind baked for stability.
For the Filling
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted) – This adds richness, but ensure to let it cool slightly after melting for the best texture.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Adjust based on personal sweetness preference, but don’t overdo it.
• ¼ cup cornmeal – Provides stability without a gritty texture; opt for a fine grind for smoothness.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor; fine salt is best for even distribution.
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice – Brightens the filling’s flavor; feel free to substitute as needed.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A flavor booster; pure vanilla is recommended for optimal taste.
• ½ cup honey – The star sweetener; using wildflower or clover honey adds depth to the flavor profile.
• 3 large eggs – Essential for stability; using room temperature eggs helps with mixing.
• ½ cup heavy cream – Introduces richness and creaminess; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
For the Topping
• Flaky sea salt (for topping) – A finishing touch that adds the perfect salty contrast; sprinkle just before serving for that gourmet effect.
Dive into creating this Salted Honey Pie that beautifully balances sweet and salty flavors!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Honey Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your 9-inch pie crust in a pie dish and use weights (like dried beans or pie weights) to blind bake it for 12-15 minutes. After that, remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before filling.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, and salt until fully combined. Then, add in the white vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla extract, and honey, whisking until smooth. This mixture is the luscious filling for your Salted Honey Pie, so make sure all the ingredients blend nicely together.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs
Next, add the large eggs one at a time into the honey mixture, whisking well after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency. After all eggs are well incorporated, gently stir in the heavy cream until the mixture is velvety. This step is crucial for achieving the rich, custardy texture that characterizes the pie.
Step 4: Fill the Crust
Carefully pour the filling into your pre-baked pie crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed. For ease of transport and to catch any spills, place the filled pie dish on a baking sheet. This ensures that if any custard leaks, it won’t mess up your oven.
Step 5: Bake
Bake your assembled Salted Honey Pie in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to protect it from burning.
Step 6: Cool
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. Cooling is essential to allowing the custard to fully set, making it easier to slice and serve. Patience here ensures a beautifully crafted Salted Honey Pie!
Step 7: Serve
Just before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle a generous pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of the pie. This finishing touch elevates the flavor, adding that delightful balance of sweet and salty. Slice it up and enjoy with friends and family, celebrating your delicious creation!
What to Serve with Salted Honey Pie
Indulging in Salted Honey Pie is a delightful experience; why not elevate it with perfect pairings that complement its sweet and salty charm?
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that beautifully balances the rich custard.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts nicely with the pie’s smooth filling, making it a decadent treat.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries provide a refreshing tartness, enhancing the sweet flavors of the honey pie.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee adds an inviting depth and a touch of bitterness that highlights the sweetness of the pie.
- Mint Tea: The herbal notes of mint tea can refresh the palate, making this a soothing end to the meal.
- Savory Scones: Lightly buttered scones introduce a sweet-savory element, creating a delightful juxtaposition with each bite of the pie.
- Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti offers a flavorful crunch that pairs well with both the pie and your favorite brewed beverage.
- Citrus Salad: A zesty citrus salad brightens the meal, offering a tonality that harmonizes with the honey’s floral notes.
- Coconut Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy coconut whipped cream adds tropical vibes that pair unexpectedly well with the custard’s smoothness.
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Honey Pie preparations are perfect for busy cooks looking to streamline dessert preparation! You can blind bake the pie crust up to 24 hours in advance—simply let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. The filling can also be prepped up to 3 days ahead; just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to finish, pour the filling into the prepared crust and bake as directed. By prepping ahead, you’ll create a delicious pie with minimal last-minute effort, ensuring you have more time to savor special moments with friends and family!
Salted Honey Pie Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to unleash your creativity and personalize this yummy pie with easy tweaks that will make it your own!
- Maple Syrup: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness. Note that it will alter the pie’s texture slightly.
- Agave Nectar: For a vegan option, try agave nectar in place of honey; it pairs beautifully for a lighter pie.
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the filling for a bright, zesty kick that complements the honey wonderfully.
- Almond Extract: Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a unique, nutty flavor that brings a lovely warmth to every bite.
- Crust Alternatives: Instead of a traditional crust, try a crushed graham cracker or nut crust for added crunch and flavor that pairs perfectly with the filling.
- Salt Variations: Experiment with flavored salts like smoked sea salt for a more complex savory note that intensifies the sweet and salty balance.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for cozy, warm spices that elevate the pie to a whole new level.
- Top It Off: Serve the pie with a dollop of honey-sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside Creamy Vegetable Pot Pie, creating a delicious juxtaposition of flavors and textures.
Whatever route you choose, these variations will allow your Salted Honey Pie to shine in any setting!
Expert Tips for Salted Honey Pie
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and cream for a smoother filling and better emulsification.
• Blind Baking: Don’t skip blind baking the crust; it prevents sogginess, ensuring a perfectly flaky base for your Salted Honey Pie.
• Cooling Time: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours; this helps it set beautifully for easier slicing.
• Honey Quality: Choose high-quality honey for a richer flavor profile—opt for wildflower or clover varieties for the best taste.
• Watch the Bake: Avoid overbaking; keep an eye on the pie, ensuring the center is still slightly jiggy when done for the perfect custard texture.
Storage Tips for Salted Honey Pie
Refrigeration: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving, or enjoy it chilled for a refreshing treat.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the cooled Salted Honey Pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating: If desired, gently warm slices in the microwave or oven at a low temperature to prevent overheating, ensuring the custard maintains its smooth texture.
Salted Honey Pie Recipe FAQs
What type of honey is best for the filling?
Absolutely! For the very best flavor in your Salted Honey Pie, I recommend using high-quality honey such as wildflower or clover honey. These varieties bring complex floral notes that beautifully enhance the custard. Avoid overly processed honey, as it can lack depth and sweetness.
How should I store leftover Salted Honey Pie?
Leftovers can stay fresh for up to 4 days if you cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it. Before serving, bring it to room temperature, or you can enjoy it chilled. Just remember that the flavors truly shine when it’s not icy cold!
Can I freeze Salted Honey Pie for later?
Absolutely! To freeze your Salted Honey Pie, allow it to cool completely first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
What if I want to use a different sweetener?
Very! If you’re looking for alternatives to honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave syrup. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, since maple syrup is thinner than honey. The flavor will shift too, adding a hint of earthy sweetness, which can be really delightful!
Is this pie safe for people with allergies?
When it comes to dietary considerations, be mindful that this Salted Honey Pie includes ingredients like eggs, butter, and cream, which can be allergens for some individuals. If you’re serving someone with allergies, I often recommend checking for any alternatives, such as using dairy-free cream or egg substitutes, to make it suitable for guests with dietary restrictions.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Definitely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought pie crust works wonderfully. Just ensure it’s pre-baked properly to avoid a soggy bottom in your Salted Honey Pie. Follow the baking instructions for blind baking on the package for best results.
Irresistible Salted Honey Pie: Sweet Meets Savory Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Blind bake the pie crust for 12-15 minutes, remove weights, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, cornmeal, and salt until combined. Add vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla extract, and honey, whisk until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in heavy cream until velvety.
- Pour filling into pre-baked crust, ensuring even distribution. Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
- Bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, until edges are set and center has a slight jiggle. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool pie on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow custard to set.
- Before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Slice and enjoy!
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