Name: Deliciously Sweet Salted Honey Pie for Easy Indulgence
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 190 min
Ingredients: 1 9-inch Pie Crust (Base for the pie; provides structure. Can be homemade or store-bought (blind-baked).); 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter (Adds richness and flavor; use melted and slightly cooled for optimal mixing.); 0.75 cups Granulated Sugar (Sweetens the filling and enhances the custard’s creaminess.); 0.25 cups Cornmeal (Provides stability and a slightly textured mouthfeel; ensure it's finely ground for a smooth filling.); 0.25 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavors and balances sweetness, essential for that sweet and salty twist!); 1 tablespoon White Vinegar or Lemon Juice (Adds brightness to the flavor; lemon juice can be a fresh alternative.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Imparts warmth and depth of flavor, elevating the dessert.); 0.5 cups Honey (Main sweetener; contributes complexity and richness.); 3 Large Eggs (Provides structure and sets the filling; use room temperature eggs for even mixing.); 0.5 cups Heavy Cream (Enriches the custard, adding to its lovely smooth texture.); Flaky Sea Salt (A breathtaking finishing touch that creates a glorious sweet-salty contrast.)

As I whisked together the ingredients for this Salted Honey Pie, the sweet aroma of honey wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a Southern summer evening on the porch. This delightful custard pie is an elegant yet easy-to-make dessert that beautifully balances sweet and salty flavors, offering a comforting escape from the frantic pace of life. With its creamy texture and a flaky crust, it’s a showstopper for any gathering, sure to impress family and friends alike. Plus, it can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining. Are you ready to discover how to bring this Southern classic to your table?

Why is Salted Honey Pie So Irresistible?

Luxurious Taste: The rich combination of honey and cream creates a wonderfully decadent custard that melts in your mouth.

Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you can impress guests without hours of fuss; this pie is surprisingly simple to make!

Perfect for Gatherings: Treat your friends and family to a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to spark joy and conversation.

Elegant Finish: The sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates the dish with a delightful contrast, making it a standout dessert.

Make-Ahead Friendly: This pie stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy the flavors long after making it. Pair it with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly satisfying experience. Don’t forget to check out our Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars for another delicious treat!

Salted Honey Pie Ingredients

• Delve into the wonderful world of flavors with these Salted Honey Pie ingredients!

For the Crust

9-inch Pie Crust – Base for the pie; provides structure. Can be homemade or store-bought (blind-baked).

For the Filling

Unsalted Butter (½ cup) – Adds richness and flavor; use melted and slightly cooled for optimal mixing.
Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the filling and enhances the custard’s creaminess.
Cornmeal (¼ cup, fine grind) – Provides stability and a slightly textured mouthfeel; ensure it’s finely ground for a smooth filling.
Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness, essential for that sweet and salty twist!
White Vinegar or Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon) – Adds brightness to the flavor; lemon juice can be a fresh alternative.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Imparts warmth and depth of flavor, elevating the dessert.
Honey (½ cup, preferably wildflower or clover) – Main sweetener; contributes complexity and richness; choose high-quality honey for the best results.
Large Eggs (3) – Provides structure and sets the filling; use room temperature eggs for even mixing.
Heavy Cream (½ cup) – Enriches the custard, adding to its lovely smooth texture.
Flaky Sea Salt (for topping) – A breathtaking finishing touch that creates a glorious sweet-salty contrast.

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s embark on this delightful journey of making your own Salted Honey Pie—a true Southern dessert that your friends and family will adore!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Honey Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to create the perfect home for your pie. If using a store-bought 9-inch pie crust, blind bake it for 12–15 minutes until it’s just starting to brown. For a homemade crust, follow similar timing, then remove any pie weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Mix Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter with granulated sugar, fine cornmeal, and salt until they are well combined. Next, add the white vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla extract, and honey to this mixture, ensuring everything is blended smoothly. This will form the base of your luscious filling for the Salted Honey Pie.

Step 3: Add Eggs
Incorporate the large eggs into the mixture one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency. Take your time with this step, as well-mixed eggs help set the filling beautifully. Once incorporated, gradually stir in the heavy cream until you achieve a silky blend that is rich and inviting.

Step 4: Combine
Carefully pour the honey mixture into your cooled pie crust, ensuring it is evenly distributed for uniform baking. This step is crucial as the filling should sit evenly to achieve that oh-so-perfect custard texture. For ease of handling, place the filled pie on a baking sheet—this will catch any drips while baking.

Step 5: Bake
Slide the pie into the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, gently shield them with aluminum foil to prevent burning. The Salted Honey Pie will emerge with a delicate golden hue.

Step 6: Cool
Once baked, allow the Salted Honey Pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This cooling period is essential for the pie to set properly, making slicing much easier later on. As it cools, enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen, a sweet preview of the indulgent treat to come.

Step 7: Serve
When ready to serve, sprinkle a generous amount of flaky sea salt over the top of the pie to enhance its flavor profile. Slice into your beautifully crafted Salted Honey Pie, revealing the smooth, creamy filling inside. This dessert pairs exquisitely with coffee, tea, or a scoop of your favorite ice cream, making it a showstopper at any gathering.

Make Ahead Options

These Salted Honey Pie is ideal for meal prep, allowing busy cooks to savor homemade goodness without the last-minute rush. You can prepare the pie crust up to 3 days in advance; simply blind bake it and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The filling can also be mixed and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. For optimal flavor retention, cover the filling with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming. When you’re ready to serve, pour the chilled filling into the pre-baked crust and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress your guests with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Salted Honey Pie

Refrigerator: Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days, ensuring the pie doesn’t absorb any odors from other foods.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to retain the custard’s creamy texture.

Slice Before Freezing: Consider slicing the pie before freezing to allow for easy serving; simply thaw individual slices as needed for a quick treat.

Reheating: If you prefer a warm pie, gently reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through, then top with flaky sea salt to restore that delightful contrast.

What to Serve with Salted Honey Pie

Creating the perfect dining experience is all about balancing flavors and textures, and this delightful dessert deserves some equally delicious companions.

Whipped Cream: Light and airy, freshly whipped cream adds a rich creaminess that complements the silky pie while enhancing its sweet notes.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of cold, creamy ice cream beautifully contrasts the warm, custardy filling, creating a decadent indulgence.
Fresh Berries: The tartness of raspberries or strawberries brightens up the sweetness of the pie, providing a refreshing burst of flavor with every bite.
Coffee: Serve a rich brewed coffee alongside your pie; the deep, bitter notes will enhance the sweetness and elevate the whole dessert experience.
Sweet Tea: A glass of sweetened iced tea lends a Southern charm, making for a wonderfully refreshing balance against the rich flavors of the pie.
Lemon Sorbet: This light and tangy dessert offers a citrusy cleanse, cutting through the creaminess and providing a bright finish to your meal.
Nutty Shortbread Cookies: The crunchy texture and nutty flavor of these cookies will add a delightful contrast to the smooth pie while echoing its sweet notes.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A warm drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the already sweet profile, giving an extra splash of indulgence that complements the custard beautifully.

With these delightful pairings, your Salted Honey Pie will become the star of the meal, showcasing a beautiful dance of flavors and textures.

Expert Tips for Salted Honey Pie

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream are at room temperature to achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
Blind Baking is Crucial: Don’t skip this step! Blind baking prevents a soggy crust and ensures a beautiful texture in your salted honey pie.
Watch the Baking Time: Start checking for doneness at the 40-minute mark; the center should be slightly jiggly, as it will continue to firm up while cooling.
High-Quality Honey Matters: The flavor of your salted honey pie hinges on the honey quality; opt for pure, flavorful honey to elevate the pie.
Cooling Time is Key: Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure and make serving easier.
Flaunt the Finish: Don’t forget the flaky sea salt sprinkle before serving—it creates that irresistible sweet and salty contrast everyone loves!

Salted Honey Pie Variations & Substitutions

Discover how to make this delightful Salted Honey Pie even more uniquely yours with a few simple twists!

Maple Honey Pie: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a sweet, earthy flavor that’s perfect for fall gatherings.
Citrus Twist: Add the zest of lemon or orange to brighten the filling and create a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a luscious, dairy-free custard that still feels indulgent.
Nutty Crust: Swap in ground almonds for part of the pie crust for a delightful crunchy texture and added flavor.
Spiced Variation: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for a cozy, spiced undertone that warms the soul.
Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled pie for an elegant finish that pairs beautifully with honey.
Fruity Layers: Consider adding a layer of fresh berries on top before serving to enhance the visual appeal and add a burst of flavor.

These variations invite your creativity—experiment and find your favorite spin on this classic treat! And if you’re in the mood for more sweet inspirations, check out our Cozy Sweet Honey and Honey Feta Sweet options. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Salted Honey Pie Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right honey for the Salted Honey Pie?
Absolutely! Quality matters when it comes to honey. I recommend opting for wildflower or clover honey, as they provide a rich flavor that complements the pie beautifully. Look for honey that is pure and free from additives, as this will enhance the overall taste of your pie.

How should I store Salted Honey Pie?
You can store your pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from absorbing any other food odors in your fridge. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing; it will stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Can I freeze Salted Honey Pie?
Yes, you can freeze it! To do this, first allow the pie to cool completely after baking. Then, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. For easier serving, consider slicing the pie before freezing, so you can grab a slice whenever the craving hits!

What can I do if my pie cracks?
Very! If your pie cracks during baking, it’s usually due to overbaking or the filling setting too quickly. To prevent this, keep an eye on your pie as it approaches the 40-minute mark. The center should still jiggle slightly when taken out of the oven, as it will firm up while cooling. If it does crack, don’t fret! A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can conceal it while adding that delicious flavor!

Can I use different sweeteners instead of honey?
Certainly! If you want to mix things up, you can substitute honey with maple syrup for a Maple Honey Pie variation. Just remember that the flavor will change slightly, so choose a syrup that you love. Also, ensure that you use a similar quantity to maintain the overall sweetness level.

What’s the best way to serve Salted Honey Pie?
I often serve mine with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which adds a delightful richness. A side of fresh fruit, like berries or citrus, can also brighten up the plate and enhance the dessert’s flavors. Just before serving, don’t forget that final sprinkle of flaky sea salt to elevate the sweet-salty harmony!