If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both luxurious and delightfully simple, the Salted Honey Pie Recipe is an absolute showstopper. This pie masterfully balances the rich sweetness of honey and cream with just the right touch of salt, creating a flavor harmony that’s utterly addictive. With a smooth, custard-like filling nestled in a flaky crust, every bite feels like a warm hug wrapped in sweetness. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this Salted Honey Pie Recipe promises to become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Salted Honey Pie Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component is chosen to build the pie’s irresistibly creamy texture, deep honey flavor, and perfectly flaky crust, making it as pleasing to make as it is to eat.
- Pie crust: A store-bought or homemade crust forms the buttery, crisp foundation for this luscious pie.
- Large egg yolks: Lightly beaten, they add richness and help thicken the custard filling.
- Heavy whipping cream: Provides the silky, creamy body that makes the filling so indulgent.
- Packed light brown sugar: Adds subtle molasses notes and balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Sifted cornstarch: Ensures a smooth, set custard without any lumps.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors while ensuring the pie isn’t overly sweet.
- Honey: The star sweetener that brings floral complexity and natural sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with warm, aromatic undertones.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for that perfect bite of salty crunch.
How to Make Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by fitting your pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently to shape. Chill it briefly to prevent shrinking, then blind bake it until golden. A pre-baked crust ensures your luscious filling sits on a crisp base rather than soggy pastry, making every mouthful perfectly textured.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Filling Ingredients
In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly whisk in the heavy whipping cream, light brown sugar, sifted cornstarch, salt, honey, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. This step is all about bringing the silky filling to life, so take your time to avoid lumps and ensure the honey is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cook the Filling
Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to prevent scorching. The mixture will thicken gradually, transforming into a custard that holds its shape while remaining perfectly creamy. This is where the magic happens—patience here guarantees a luxuriously smooth pie center.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Once thickened, pour the custard into your pre-baked crust. Smooth the surface gently, then refrigerate the pie for several hours or overnight. Chilling not only helps the filling set firmly, but also deepens the honey flavor, making each slice more satisfying.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt across the top to introduce that delightful salty crunch that accentuates the sweetness perfectly. This final touch elevates the pie into a sophisticated dessert that both kids and adults will rave about.
How to Serve Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is essential, but you could also top the pie with a light drizzle of honey or a few toasted nuts for an added textural contrast. Fresh edible flowers or a dusting of cinnamon add a stunning visual and aromatic lift, creating a pie that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This pie shines brilliantly on its own but pairs wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries provide a juicy, tangy counterpoint that brightens every bite, perfect for lighter balance after a rich meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Salted Honey Pie Recipe as individual tartlets or mini pies, perfect for parties or afternoon tea. You can also dust the top with a mix of finely chopped nuts and sea salt for a rustic appearance that adds crunch and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and chilled, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, maintaining the creamy texture and bright honey flavor with no fuss.
Freezing
This pie is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing isn’t recommended as the custard texture can change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the pre-baked pie crust to save time on your next baking session, just be sure to thaw it fully before using.
Reheating
Since this pie is served chilled, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer, leave the slices out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the honey aroma and soften the creaminess slightly.
FAQs
Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg yolks?
For this Salted Honey Pie Recipe, using only egg yolks provides that rich, creamy texture essential to the custard. Whole eggs can alter the consistency and make the filling firmer and less velvety.
Is there a substitute for heavy whipping cream?
While heavy cream gives the pie its luxurious mouthfeel, you can use a mix of half-and-half and butter in a pinch, but the texture may be slightly lighter and less creamy.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Blind baking the crust before adding the filling is key. This step ensures the bottom stays crisp and holds up well against the smooth custard filling.
Can I make the Salted Honey Pie Recipe vegan?
Adapting this recipe for a vegan diet would require substituting the dairy with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and replacing egg yolks with cornstarch or agar to thicken, but expect some differences in texture and flavor.
Why is flaky sea salt used instead of regular salt?
Flaky sea salt provides a delicate crunch and bursts of saltiness that regular table salt can’t match. It complements the honey’s sweetness just perfectly, adding that sophisticated finishing touch.
Final Thoughts
The Salted Honey Pie Recipe is a truly exceptional dessert that brings together simplicity and elegance with every bite. Its creamy honey custard paired with a flaky crust and a sprinkle of sea salt creates an irresistible combination that’s perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to sweet treat for every special moment.
Print
Salted Honey Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Salted Honey Pie is a luscious dessert featuring a creamy honey-infused filling nestled in a crisp pie crust. Enhanced with a hint of sea salt and a touch of vanilla, this pie balances sweetness and saltiness perfectly, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- â…” cup packed light brown sugar
- â…“ cup cornstarch, sifted
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare pie crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim and crimp the edges as desired. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Blind bake the crust with pie weights or dried beans for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove weights and bake for another 5 minutes to set the crust. Let it cool completely.
- Make the filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, light brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, whisking continuously to combine all ingredients without lumps.
- Cook the filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to prevent sticking. Bring it to a gentle boil and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until thickened to a pudding-like consistency.
- Add honey and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the honey and vanilla extract. Mix well to incorporate evenly throughout the filling.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the warm filling into the cooled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top to enhance the flavors and add a delightful crunch. Slice and enjoy your salted honey pie!
Notes
- For best results, use fresh high-quality honey for a rich flavor.
- Blind baking helps prevent a soggy crust by pre-cooking the dough.
- The pie filling thickens as it cools; do not overcook during preparing.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow the pie to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for a creamier texture.
