Salted Honey Pie
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 custard filling, rich caramel flavor, and a hint of sea salt, this pie is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a cozy family dinner, this dessert will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. The creamy texture and unique flavor make it an instant favorite among dessert lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The sweet honey paired with flaky sea salt creates a delightful contrast that elevates this pie.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers can achieve success.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a holiday dessert or a comforting treat any day of the week.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Its rich flavor profile appeals to both children and adults alike, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of making a classic pie from scratch that everyone will adore.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8-inch or 9-inch pie pan
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Pie pan: A deep dish ensures that your custard filling has ample space to set without spilling over.
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for heating the cream mixture evenly without scorching it, keeping your custard smooth.
- Whisk: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly and ensuring there are no lumps in the custard base.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Salted Honey Pie:
- 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
How to Make Salted Honey Pie
Step 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.
Step 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. You want to bring it to a rolling boil while thickening slightly.
Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks
Once the cream mixture comes to a boil, remove it from heat. Ladle a small amount of hot cream into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. Gradually add more of the cream mixture until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with remaining cream. Stir until well combined. Add honey and vanilla extract for sweetness and depth.
Step 5: Fill the Crust
Pour the smooth custard mixture into your chilled pie crust. Ensure it’s slightly warm but not hot as you spread it evenly to avoid air pockets.
Step 6: Bake
Place the pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes. The top should brown slightly while bubbling up; don’t worry if it looks jiggly when taken out—it will firm up as it cools.
Step 7: Cool Down
Allow the pie to cool on the counter until room temperature before refrigerating until completely chilled and firm. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect custard texture.
Step 8: Add Flaky Sea Salt
Before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt generously over top. This enhances sweetness while providing contrast against creamy filling.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice your Salted Honey Pie into portions and serve chilled. Enjoy every creamy bite!
This Salted Honey Pie is sure to impress with its perfect balance of flavors—sweetness from honey paired with saltiness from sea salt makes it an unforgettable dessert!
How to Serve Salted Honey Pie
Serving Salted Honey Pie is all about enhancing its rich flavors and making the experience delightful. Here are some creative ways to present this dessert that will impress your guests.
With Fresh Berries
- Mixed Berries: Serve the pie with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of tartness that complements the sweet custard.
- Berry Compote: Drizzle a warm berry compote over each slice for an added layer of flavor and sophistication.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the pie’s richness.
- Honey Ice Cream: For a unique twist, serve with honey-flavored ice cream to enhance the honey notes in the pie.
Garnished with Whipped Cream
- Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top adds lightness and balances the dense filling.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider infusing your whipped cream with vanilla or cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.
Accompanied by Nuts
- Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with honey.
- Candied Walnuts: Use candied walnuts for a sweet crunch that enhances the overall dessert experience.
With Coffee or Tea
- Espresso: The boldness of espresso provides a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the pie.
- Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea can help cleanse the palate between bites.
How to Perfect Salted Honey Pie
Achieving the perfect Salted Honey Pie requires attention to detail and some helpful techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your pie turns out beautifully.
- Chill Ingredients: Keep your ingredients, especially the heavy cream and egg yolks, chilled before use for optimal texture and consistency.
- Use Quality Honey: Select high-quality honey for a richer flavor profile; it makes a significant difference in taste.
- Prevent Overbaking: Watch your pie closely towards the end of baking; it should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out but will firm up as it cools.
- Cool Gradually: Allow the pie to cool at room temperature before refrigerating; this helps set the custard properly without creating condensation.
- Sprinkle Sea Salt Generously: Don’t skimp on flaky sea salt on top; it enhances sweetness and adds an appealing crunch.
- Serve Chilled: For best texture and flavor, always serve this pie cold after it has been fully chilled in the refrigerator.
Best Side Dishes for Salted Honey Pie
Pairing side dishes with your Salted Honey Pie can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with melons and citrus can refresh your palate after rich bites of pie.
- Chocolate Ganache Tart: The deep chocolate flavor contrasts well with honey’s sweetness while maintaining indulgence.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Serve alongside caramel sauce for added richness that pairs beautifully with honey flavors.
- Pineapple Sorbet: For a refreshing touch, pineapple sorbet offers acidity that balances out sweetness effectively.
- Savory Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits add a savory element that enhances each bite of sweet pie.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Salted Honey Pie can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Avoid these pitfalls for a successful baking adventure.
- Not chilling the crust: A warm crust can shrink during baking. Always chill your pie crust before use to maintain its shape.
- Skipping the tempering process: Pouring hot cream directly into eggs can scramble them. Temper the egg yolks slowly with hot cream to ensure a smooth custard.
- Overbaking the pie: Leaving the pie in too long can cause a grainy texture. Watch for a slight jiggle in the center and remove it from the oven promptly.
- Using too much salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances flavor, but too much can overpower the sweetness. Start with less and add more if needed after baking.
- Not letting it cool properly: Cutting into the pie too soon can result in a runny filling. Allow it to cool completely before slicing for perfect slices.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The pie will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Salted Honey Pie
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Salted Honey Pie
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second increments until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, covering with a lid.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making this delicious dessert, here are some common questions answered.
What is Salted Honey Pie?
Salted Honey Pie is a creamy custard dessert featuring honey’s sweetness balanced with a hint of sea salt, all encased in a flaky pie crust.
Can I use different types of honey?
Yes! While traditional honey works well, feel free to experiment with flavored honeys like lavender or orange blossom for unique tastes.
How do I know when my pie is done?
Your Salted Honey Pie is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Salted Honey Pie one day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to serve, making it perfect for gatherings.
Is Salted Honey Pie suitable for special diets?
This pie contains dairy and gluten, so it’s not suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets. However, you could explore substitutes if desired!
Final Thoughts
The Salted Honey Pie is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that combines comforting flavors with elegant presentation. Its versatility makes it ideal for any occasion, whether casual or festive. Feel free to customize it by experimenting with different types of honey or adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Enjoy creating this delightful treat!
Salted Honey Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of making Salted Honey Pie, a luxurious dessert that perfectly marries sweet and salty flavors. This creamy custard pie, enriched with the natural sweetness of honey and a hint of flaky sea salt, creates an unforgettable taste sensation. Ideal for any occasion—from festive celebrations to cozy family dinners—this pie is as visually appealing as it is delicious. The smooth texture of the custard filling combined with a buttery crust makes it a crowd-pleaser that will impress guests and satisfy cravings alike. Easy to make with straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (refrigerated or homemade)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the pie crust in an 8-inch or 9-inch pan and chill.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cream, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt; heat over medium while stirring until boiling.
- Temper egg yolks by gradually whisking in hot cream mixture.
- Combine the tempered yolks back into the saucepan with remaining cream; mix in honey and vanilla.
- Pour custard into the chilled crust and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes until slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely before refrigerating until firm; sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 133mg
