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There’s a certain warmth that fills the kitchen when I whip up my Salted Honey Pie. The first time I concocted this guilty pleasure, I was looking for a dessert that beautifully blended sweet and salty notes—something that could impress without sending me into a baking frenzy. Imagine the rich, creamy custard gently encased in a flaky butter crust, with the distinctive richness of honey perfectly balanced by a sprinkle of sea salt. Each bite is a delightful contrast, rich yet refreshing.

As seasons change, this pie stands as a versatile companion—ideal for cozy gatherings or an everyday sweet indulgence. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or enjoying a quiet evening at home, it promises to captivate anyone fortunate enough to take a slice. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive in and create this unforgettable treat together!

Why is Salted Honey Pie a Must-Try?

Indulgent Flavor: The unique blend of sweet honey and savory sea salt creates an unforgettable flavor that dances on your palate.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this pie doesn’t require advanced baking skills, making it accessible for everyone.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether a festive gathering or a cozy dinner, this pie fits right in, pleasing crowds and satisfying your sweet tooth.
Delightful Textures: Enjoy the contrast of a creamy custard filling nestled in a flaky butter crust, offering a texture that’s both rich and comforting.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it a day in advance for effortless entertaining, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.
Elevate your dessert game with this memorable pie—served chilled, it’s an irresistible treat that invites a second slice!

Salted Honey Pie Ingredients

For the Crust
• Butter – This key ingredient is essential for a flaky, tender crust.
• All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of your crust; be sure to use cold flour for best results.
• Sugar – A hint of sugar balances the savory elements of the pie.
• Salt – Just a pinch helps enhance the overall flavor and complements the sweetness of the pie.

For the Custard Filling
• Heavy Cream – Provides the rich, creamy base of the custard; can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
• Brown Sugar – Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness; opt for coconut sugar for a less refined choice.
• Honey – The star of the show, imparting that signature flavor; local honey can elevate your pie’s taste experience.
• Egg Yolks – Essential for achieving the custard’s creamy texture; can be replaced with cornstarch and water for a vegan alternative, though the consistency will vary.
• Flaky Sea Salt – Added just before serving to enhance flavors; avoids table salt for best results.

Indulge in the delightful contrast of sweet and salty flavors with this Salted Honey Pie, perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in!

How to Make Salted Honey Pie

Prepare the crust: Start by mixing cold butter with all-purpose flour until crumbly. Add a pinch of sugar and a little salt, then chill for about 30 minutes before rolling out the dough to fit your pie dish.
Bake the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough, fit it into the pie dish, and bake until golden brown, which should take about 20 minutes. Let it cool completely.
Combine the filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, brown sugar, and honey over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm and combined, around 5 minutes.
Temper the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking continuously. This step is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Bake the custard: Pour the custard mixture into the cooled pie crust. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. Just before serving, top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for added contrast.

Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Salted Honey Pie

Chill Your Butter: Ensure your butter is very cold to achieve the flakiest pie crust. Warm butter can lead to a dense texture.
Gradual Mixing: When tempering the eggs, slowly drizzle the warm cream into the yolks. This prevents scrambling and ensures a smooth custard.
Cooling Time: Allow the pie to cool completely before refrigerating. Chilling overnight enhances the flavors and sets the custard for the best texture.
Salt Sprinkling: Finish your pie with flaky sea salt just before serving for that perfect balance of sweet and salty in your Salted Honey Pie.
Test for Doneness: The custard should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center—perfect for that silky consistency.

Make Ahead Options

The Salted Honey Pie is a gem for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the crust up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and chilling it in the fridge—this ensures optimal flakiness. Additionally, the custard filling can be made a day ahead; simply whisk together the warm cream, sugar, and tempered eggs, then pour into the pie crust. After baking, let it cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To maintain the pie’s delightful texture and flavor, cover it loosely with plastic wrap in the fridge. When ready to serve, finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and you’ll enjoy the same heavenly taste without the last-minute stress!

Salted Honey Pie Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Salted Honey Pie recipe—you can easily customize it to fit your taste and dietary needs.

Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a luscious, dairy-free custard that still delivers rich flavor.
Sweetener Swap: Try maple syrup instead of honey for a unique sweetness with a rounded flavor profile.
Spiced Up: Incorporate a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg into the custard to create a warm, inviting twist.
Nutty Addition: Add finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the crust for extra texture and a delightful crunch.
Caramel Layer: Drizzle caramel sauce in the crust before pouring in the custard for a decadent surprise at the bottom.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a rich chocolate ganache on top after chilling for an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Fruit Fusion: Layer fresh fruits such as peaches or berries at the bottom of the crust before adding the custard for a burst of freshness.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.

With these variations, you’ll surely make the Salted Honey Pie your own, inviting new flavors and textures into every delightful bite!

What to Serve with Salted Honey Pie?

Indulging in this sweet and salty delight opens the door to creating a complete dessert experience that will leave your guests raving.

Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or tart raspberries add a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the pie’s richness beautifully. Their natural sweetness contrasts wonderfully with the custard.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream introduces a light, airy texture that balances the dense pie, making each mouthful a creamy dream.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of rich vanilla ice cream enhances the flavors while adding a luscious creaminess, making each bite a delightful indulgence.
Espresso or Coffee: The bold, robust flavors of a cup of espresso or coffee create a perfect contrast to the sweet custard, heightening the overall dessert experience.
Lemon Tart: For a zesty contrast, serve slices of a tangy lemon tart alongside the Salted Honey Pie. The acidity cuts through the richness, creating a delightful combination.
Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling warm chocolate ganache over individual slices adds an extra layer of decadence that chocolate lovers will adore. The bitterness of dark chocolate balances the dessert’s sweetness perfectly.

How to Store and Freeze Salted Honey Pie

Fridge: Store your Salted Honey Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and maintains the custard’s creamy texture.

Freezer: If you want to extend its life, freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving to ensure a smooth and creamy custard.

Reheating: If you’d like to warm it slightly, cover with foil and reheat in a low oven until just warmed through, but be careful not to overheat, which can change the texture.

Salted Honey Pie Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting honey for my Salted Honey Pie?
Choosing the right honey can elevate your Salted Honey Pie to new heights. I recommend looking for local artisanal honey, as it often has unique flavor profiles that can enchant your dessert. Ensure it’s clear and free of any crystallization—this indicates freshness and quality. Wildflower honey or clover honey both work beautifully too!

How should I store my Salted Honey Pie?
To keep your Salted Honey Pie fresh, cover it with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days. I often find that the flavors meld beautifully as it chills, making each slice even more delightful!

Can I freeze Salted Honey Pie, and how do I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze your Salted Honey Pie, first wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, ensuring it’s sealed to prevent freezer burn. This pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. When it’s time to enjoy, simply move it to the refrigerator the night before to thaw slowly, which will maintain its creamy texture beautifully.

What are some common troubleshooting tips for baking the custard?
If you notice that your custard hasn’t set properly after baking, there are a few things to consider. First, ensure you didn’t rush the baking time; it should be slightly jiggly in the center when done. If it appears to be too runny, it might need a touch more time—it’s better to underbake slightly than overbake. Lastly, always temper your eggs carefully by adding the warm mixture gradually; this prevents scrambling and guarantees a smooth custard.

Is Salted Honey Pie suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
While Salted Honey Pie is a vegetarian dessert, it does contain eggs and heavy cream. For a vegan alternative, consider making substitutions: use silken tofu blended until smooth for the custard base and cornstarch mixed with water as an egg replacement. This will slightly alter the texture but still yield a delightful dessert. Always be mindful of any allergies you or your guests may have, especially with honey and dairy products.