If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and a little surprise all at once, this Salted Honey Pie Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine a silky, luscious custard rich with the natural sweetness of honey, perfectly balanced by a touch of sea salt that brightens every bite. With a tender, buttery crust hugging that honeyed filling, this pie strikes the perfect harmony between sweet and savory, making it a sensational treat for any occasion. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together with simplicity and ingredients you can trust, promising a slice of pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Salted Honey Pie Recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role to create a symphony of flavors and textures — from the flaky crust providing a golden base to the rich honey and creamy custard filling that melts in your mouth.
- Pre-made pie crust (9-inch): A convenient, buttery foundation that saves time without sacrificing flavor.
- High-quality honey (1 cup): The star sweetener that adds floral notes and natural richness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings creaminess and luscious texture to the filling.
- Large eggs (3): Essential for structure and that custardy, set but tender consistency.
- Sea salt (1 tsp): Enhances the honey’s sweetness and balances richness with a subtle savory kick.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tbsp): Adds brightness and a slight tangy contrast that lifts the entire pie.
How to Make Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature is key for baking the filling evenly—allowing it to set beautifully while keeping that luscious, slightly wobbly center we all love in custard pies.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Roll out the pre-made pie crust and gently fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Take your time trimming the excess dough around the edges to create a neat, sturdy base that will hold the filling without sogginess. A good crust sets the stage for this pie’s wonderful textural contrast.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Filling
In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the three eggs until they’re light and frothy. This helps introduce air for a silkier custard. Gradually incorporate the heavy cream, honey, lemon juice, and sea salt, whisking continuously until the mixture is completely combined and smooth. The combined ingredients promise a balanced sweetness and depth of flavor, making this step crucial.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Slowly pour the creamy filling into your prepared crust, being careful to leave about half an inch room from the top to prevent overflow during baking. This careful pour ensures you don’t lose that perfect golden edge on your crust while giving the filling room to set perfectly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie on the center rack of your oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for the filling to be mostly set, but with a gentle wobble in the center—this is the hallmark of a perfectly baked honey custard pie, guaranteeing a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Allow your Salted Honey Pie to cool thoroughly on a wire rack before slicing. This resting period lets the filling finish setting and develops those clean, gorgeous slices that make serving such a pleasure.
How to Serve Salted Honey Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right before serving emphasizes the pie’s signature salted sweetness. For an elegant touch, add a few thin lemon zest strips or a small dollop of whipped cream to complement the flavors without overpowering them.
Side Dishes
This pie is divine on its own, but pairing it with freshly brewed tea or coffee creates an inviting, balanced dessert experience. For a fresh contrast, a light fruit salad with berries or citrus segments offers a refreshing pop that plays well against the rich custard.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual mini Salted Honey Pie slices in pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of honey or caramel around the edge. Another fun idea is to top slices with crushed toasted nuts for extra crunch, making the experience even more special for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, cover your pie tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy that honey-salty goodness even after the first slice.
Freezing
While freezing may slightly change the texture of the crust, you can freeze the pie for up to 1 month. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil, ensuring no air can sneak in. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain its flavor and texture.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm slice, gently reheat a portion in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it can make the filling watery and the crust soggy—warming in the oven preserves the silky texture and crisp crust.
FAQs
Can I make this pie without a pre-made crust?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust adds a lovely personal touch. Just make sure to refrigerate the dough before rolling for easier handling and a flakier texture once baked.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this Salted Honey Pie Recipe?
You can try using half-and-half or whole milk, but the pie might be less rich and less creamy. Heavy cream is preferred for its thick, velvety properties that make the filling so indulgent.
How important is the sea salt in this recipe?
Sea salt is crucial because it enhances the honey’s natural sweetness and balances the richness of the custard. Using regular table salt would work, but the flavor can be slightly different as sea salt has a distinctive mineral taste and texture.
Can I add other flavors to this pie?
Definitely! A splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon can add warmth and depth. Just be cautious not to overpower the delicate honey flavor that makes this pie so special.
What’s the best way to slice the pie for neat pieces?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between slices. This simple trick prevents the custard from sticking to the blade and helps you achieve clean, beautiful slices every time.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Honey Pie Recipe is truly a treasure, delivering that perfect blend of sweet, salty, and creamy in each bite. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, it’s a dessert that feels both comforting and elegant. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!
Print
Salted Honey Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Salted Honey Pie is a delightful balance of sweet and savory, featuring a smooth and creamy honey custard with a hint of sea salt and fresh lemon juice baked in a flaky pre-made pie crust. Perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy a rich, luscious treat with a subtle twist.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
Filling
- 1 cup high-quality honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the pie.
- Prepare the pie crust: Roll out the pre-made pie crust and carefully fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, trimming any excess dough around the edges for a neat finish.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Gradually add the heavy cream, honey, fresh lemon juice, and sea salt while continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Fill the crust: Pour the honey mixture into the prepared pie crust, leaving about half an inch of space from the top to prevent overflow during baking.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie on the center rack of the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The filling should be set but slightly wobbly in the middle, indicating it is perfectly baked.
- Cool the pie: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack to set properly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality honey for the best flavor depth.
- Be careful not to overbake; the center should jiggle slightly when done.
- Letting the pie cool completely is crucial for clean slices.
- This pie is best served at room temperature or chilled.
- You can garnish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving for added texture.
