Salted Honey Pie: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Salty

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a pie that combines the best of both worlds—sweet and salty. And that’s exactly what this Salted Honey Pie delivers. With its luscious, creamy custard filling that’s rich in caramelized flavor, balanced with a delightful hint of sea salt, this pie is one that will leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to indulge. The filling, made with heavy cream, brown sugar, honey, and egg yolks, offers a velvety texture and depth of flavor that’s almost impossible to resist. Encased in a flaky butter pie crust, every bite is pure bliss, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual family dinners to more festive gatherings. It’s a pie that evokes the warmth of homemade goodness with a modern twist, and the unique blend of flavors makes it an instant favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a new recipe to try, this Salted Honey Pie is bound to become one of your go-to desserts.

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Ingredients:

• Pie crust (refrigerated or homemade)
• 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2/3 cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (45 g) cornstarch, sifted
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Begin by preparing the pie crust in either a deep dish 8-inch pie pan or a 9-inch pie pan. There’s no need to pre-bake the crust for this recipe, so simply place it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling. The cold crust helps it bake evenly and ensures it holds up to the custard filling. If you opt for a homemade pie crust, it’s essential to let it chill to prevent shrinking when baked. The cold butter in the crust creates a flaky texture, which is exactly what you want to achieve. For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of the crust before baking, giving it a sweet crunch that pairs beautifully with the custard.
2. Heat the Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy whipping cream, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Set the pan over medium heat and stir constantly as the mixture heats up. The goal is to bring it to a rolling boil, and as it does, you’ll notice it begin to thicken slightly. The rich aroma of brown sugar caramelizing will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist the allure of what’s to come. The cornstarch helps to thicken the custard, so you’ll see it gradually become more substantial as it heats. As soon as the mixture comes to a boil, keep a close eye on it, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps.
3. Temper the Eggs: Once the cream mixture comes to a boil, remove it from the heat. The next step is to temper the egg yolks. This process ensures that the eggs don’t cook too quickly and form an undesirable texture in the custard. To do this, ladle a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. Gradually add more of the cream mixture, whisking until fully combined and smooth. This step will help the eggs gently absorb the heat, allowing them to blend into the custard without scrambling. Tempering the eggs properly is crucial for a smooth, silky custard. If you skip this step or rush it, the eggs might cook too quickly and cause the custard to curdle.
4. Combine the Mixture: After tempering the eggs, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined and smooth. Add the honey and vanilla extract, stirring once more to incorporate them thoroughly. The honey will impart a delicate sweetness, while the vanilla adds a warm, aromatic depth. Honey is the star ingredient in this pie, and it infuses the custard with a deep, caramel-like flavor that enhances the overall taste. The vanilla extract provides a comforting background note, making the pie feel even more indulgent.
5. Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the smooth custard mixture into the chilled pie crust. The filling should be slightly warm but not hot. You’ll notice how creamy and thick the mixture is, resembling a rich custard base, with a pale golden color that promises a luscious texture. The honey will give the custard a lovely, caramel-like hue that deepens as it bakes. As you pour the mixture into the crust, be sure to spread it evenly to avoid any air pockets. This will help ensure that each slice has a uniform texture and flavor.
6. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes. During the baking process, the pie will bubble up, and the top will begin to brown. This is a good sign that it’s cooking through and developing that caramelized flavor. The filling will firm up as it bakes, while the top will form a golden, slightly crispy crust. The edges of the pie crust will also begin to turn golden, creating a beautiful contrast to the smooth custard. However, don’t worry if it looks slightly jiggly when you take it out of the oven—it will firm up as it cools. It’s essential not to overbake the pie, as this can cause the custard to become grainy.
7. Cool and Set: Allow the pie to cool on the counter until it reaches room temperature. As it sits, the custard will continue to set and thicken, giving you that perfect pie texture. Once cooled, refrigerate the pie until it’s completely chilled and firm. This step is crucial for the custard to fully set, ensuring that every slice holds together beautifully. Cooling the pie also enhances the flavors, allowing the honey and vanilla to meld together and develop their full potential. Refrigeration is key for achieving that smooth, custard-like consistency that makes this pie so irresistible.
8. Finish with Sea Salt: Before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of flaky sea salt over the top of the pie. The salt enhances the sweetness of the honey while providing a satisfying contrast to the rich, creamy filling. The delicate crunch of the sea salt on top elevates each bite and adds an irresistible touch of sophistication. Sea salt works particularly well in this recipe because of its larger crystals, which provide a satisfying burst of saltiness without overpowering the sweetness of the pie.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the pie into 8-10 portions and serve chilled. The custard will be smooth and creamy, with the perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and a subtle salty kick from the sea salt. The flaky pie crust provides a delightful crunch with each bite, adding texture that complements the soft, velvety filling. This pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from family gatherings to more intimate dinners. It’s versatile enough to serve year-round, making it a classic addition to your dessert repertoire.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma:

The Salted Honey Pie is a true sensory experience. As the pie bakes, the scent of caramelized sugar and warm vanilla fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that draws everyone in. The rich, creamy custard is beautifully contrasted by the slightly crispy, buttery pie crust. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures—from the crunchy crust to the smooth, velvety filling. The flavor is a harmonious blend of sweetness and saltiness, with the honey adding depth and complexity, while the sea salt brings out the natural sweetness without overwhelming the palate. The creamy custard is rich without being overly heavy, and the saltiness of the sea salt provides just the right amount of contrast, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavors.

Tips and Variations:

• Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can substitute it with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. The texture will be slightly different, but the pie will still have a rich, custardy filling. You can also experiment with different types of honey—such as clover, wildflower, or lavender—each offering its own unique flavor profile. For a deeper flavor, try using dark honey or even a mix of honey and maple syrup.
• Pie Crust: While you can use a store-bought refrigerated pie crust for convenience, making your own homemade pie crust will take this dessert to the next level. The buttery, flaky texture of a homemade crust provides the perfect base for the custard filling. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free pie crust instead. Another fun variation is to use a graham cracker crust, which can add a slightly different texture and flavor, perfect for those who prefer a more cookie-like base.
• Topping Ideas: For a bit of added flair, try topping the pie with whipped cream, lightly toasted nuts (like pecans or almonds), or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. A dollop of whipped cream can enhance the creamy texture, while toasted nuts add a crunchy contrast that complements the smooth custard. Caramel sauce can bring out the caramel notes in the honey and add an extra layer of sweetness.
• Serving Suggestions: This pie is perfect for any occasion, from holiday feasts to casual dinners with friends and family. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine, such as a sweet Riesling or Moscato, to balance the richness of the pie. For an even more indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, allowing the creamy, cold ice cream to melt into the warm custard for an unforgettable combination.

Final Thoughts:

Salted Honey Pie is one of those desserts that combines the best of both worlds—the sweetness of honey and the savory touch of sea salt come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re a seasoned pie maker or just getting started in the kitchen, this pie is a must-try. The steps are straightforward, and the result is a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Its rich custard filling, paired with a buttery, flaky crust and finished off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, makes it an unforgettable treat. It’s sweet, salty, and oh-so-satisfying—just the way a perfect pie should be!