Introduction
Salted Honey Pie is a deceptively simple dessert that delivers deep, comforting flavor with minimal ingredients. This pie highlights the natural sweetness of honey, enhanced by a subtle saltiness that keeps every bite balanced and refined. I first made this pie when I wanted something elegant without relying on chocolate or fruit, and it immediately stood out for its smooth texture and mellow richness. The filling bakes into a silky custard with a golden hue, while the crust provides just enough structure and contrast. What makes this pie truly special is its restraint. It is not overly sweet, yet it feels indulgent and satisfying. Whether served at room temperature or slightly chilled, Salted Honey Pie is an understated dessert that quietly impresses and lingers in memory long after the last bite.
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Salted Honey Pie – Rich, Silky, and Perfectly Balanced
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and silky custard-style pie sweetened with honey and finished with a touch of sea salt, baked in a flaky crust for a perfectly balanced sweet-and-salty dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp edges as desired.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
- Whisk in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt, mixing until smooth.
- Pour filling into prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely, then sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before serving.
Notes
- The pie will continue to set as it cools.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
- A dollop of whipped cream pairs well with this pie.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pie is simple yet sophisticated, easy to prepare, and made with pantry-friendly ingredients. The balance of sweet honey and salt creates a dessert that feels rich without being heavy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pie Crust
The pie crust provides a buttery, flaky base that supports the soft custard filling and adds textural contrast.
Honey
Honey is the star ingredient, delivering natural sweetness and floral depth that defines the character of the pie.
Butter
Butter adds richness and smooth mouthfeel, helping create a luscious custard texture.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar supports the honey by adding structure and balance to the filling.
Eggs
Eggs bind the filling and create the silky, custard-like consistency once baked.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream contributes richness and ensures a smooth, velvety texture.
Salt
Salt sharpens flavor and enhances the sweetness of the honey without overpowering it.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal provides subtle structure and a faint texture that helps stabilize the custard.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and preparing the pie crust in a pie dish. Chill briefly while preparing the filling.
In a saucepan, gently heat butter, honey, and sugar until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly to prevent curdling.
Whisk the eggs in a bowl, then slowly add the warm honey mixture while whisking continuously. Stir in heavy cream, salt, vanilla extract, and cornmeal until fully combined.
Pour the filling into the prepared crust and bake until the edges are set and the center still has a slight wobble. Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool completely, during which time it will continue to set.
Before serving, sprinkle lightly with flaky salt if desired. Slice and serve at room temperature or chilled.
Equipment needed :
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This pie serves approximately 8 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, baking time is 45 minutes, and cooling time is at least 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Serve cold or allow it to sit at room temperature before slicing. Reheating is not recommended.
Variations and Customizations
Salted Honey Pie lends itself well to subtle variations. For added warmth, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can be incorporated into the filling. A small amount of lemon zest adds brightness and contrast to the honey.
You can experiment with different types of honey, such as clover or wildflower, to adjust the flavor profile. Each variety brings its own nuance to the pie.
For a deeper caramel note, replace a portion of the sugar with brown sugar. The crust can also be customized by using a graham cracker or cornmeal crust for added texture.
This pie pairs beautifully with lightly whipped cream or a dollop of crème fraîche, though it stands well on its own.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dessert is rich in fats and natural sugars due to honey, butter, and cream. It is vegetarian-friendly and intended as an occasional indulgence.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Gentle heating
Do not overheat the honey mixture to preserve flavor.
Custard doneness
Look for a slight jiggle in the center when removing from the oven.
Flavor balance
Taste the filling before baking and adjust salt if needed.
FAQs
Is Salted Honey Pie very sweet?
It is balanced, with salt enhancing rather than overpowering the honey.
What type of honey works best?
Mild, floral honeys work best for a smooth flavor.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, it is ideal when made a day in advance.
Why is my pie too soft?
It may need more cooling time to fully set.
Can I freeze this pie?
Freezing is not recommended due to custard texture changes.
Does the pie need to be refrigerated?
Yes, refrigeration helps maintain structure.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, it works perfectly well.
What salt should I use on top?
Flaky sea salt provides the best contrast.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Slight reductions are possible, but structure may be affected.
How should this pie be served?
Serve chilled or at room temperature for best texture.
Conclusion
Salted Honey Pie is a refined, comforting dessert that celebrates simplicity and balance. With its silky custard, gentle sweetness, and subtle salt finish, it is an elegant choice for gatherings or quiet moments when a thoughtful, understated dessert is exactly what you want.
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