A sweet and savory masterpiece, this Salted Honey Pie combines the rich, floral sweetness of honey with a creamy custard texture and a touch of sea salt to bring balance and depth. Nestled in a golden, flaky pie crust, each bite offers a luxurious contrast of smooth filling and crisp crust, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Salted Honey Pie is a simple yet elegant dessert that captures the beauty of minimalism. The combination of everyday pantry staples creates a flavor that feels both nostalgic and unique. The sweetness of the honey is mellowed by the cream and eggs, while the sea salt provides a finishing note that enhances each component. Whether you’re serving this at a holiday gathering or as a cozy weeknight treat, it’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the prepared pie crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dry beans.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment and weights, then bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, granulated sugar, eggs, heavy cream, melted butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is just set but slightly wobbly in the center.
- Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature.
- Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top for a finishing touch.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy contrast.
- Nutty Finish: Top with crushed toasted almonds or pecans before serving for added texture.
- Spiced Option: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the filling a warm, spiced note.
- Crust Alternatives: Try a graham cracker crust for a different texture and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut cream and dairy-free butter for a lactose-free option.
Storage/Reheating
Salted Honey Pie should be stored covered in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to 4 days. To enjoy warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. You may also warm the entire pie in a low oven (300°F) for 10–15 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain the texture of the custard.
FAQs
What type of honey is best for this pie?
A mild, floral honey such as clover or wildflower works best to allow the other flavors to shine without overpowering them.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Yes, a homemade butter-based crust adds a rich, flaky texture that complements the filling beautifully.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
If using salted butter, reduce the sea salt in the filling slightly to avoid over-salting.
Does this pie need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the custard filling, it should be refrigerated once cooled.
Can I freeze Salted Honey Pie?
Yes, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly. It will firm up as it cools.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes great after resting, making it ideal for preparing a day in advance.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or evaporated milk can be used as substitutes, though the texture may vary slightly.
How should I serve Salted Honey Pie?
It’s perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why is sea salt added at the end?
A light sprinkle of sea salt enhances the sweetness of the honey and adds a gourmet finish.
Conclusion
Salted Honey Pie is a stunning example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Its creamy, sweet-salty filling and flaky crust make it a standout dessert that’s both elegant and approachable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this pie delivers flavor and sophistication in every bite.
PrintSalted Honey Pie
A sweet and savory pie with a creamy honey filling, topped with a delicate flakey crust and a touch of sea salt for the perfect balance of flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dry beans.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, granulated sugar, eggs, heavy cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden. The center should still be a little wobbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie cool completely at room temperature.
- Before serving, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt on top for a delightful contrast of sweet and savory.
Notes
- Use a homemade crust for a flakier, more flavorful base.
- Let the pie cool completely to ensure the filling sets properly.
- Best served at room temperature or lightly chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 95mg