Salted Honey Pie: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Salty Recipe

Introduction

Salted Honey Pie offers a delightful mix of sweet and salty flavors with a creamy honey custard filling nestled in a flaky pie crust. This dessert is both elegant and comforting, perfect for any occasion. Its smooth texture and subtle caramel notes make it irresistibly delicious.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the pie crust by placing it in a deep dish 8-inch or 9-inch pie pan. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling; there is no need to pre-bake it.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine heavy whipping cream, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a rolling boil and thickens slightly.
3. Step 3: Remove the cream mixture from heat. Gradually temper the egg yolks by whisking a small amount of hot cream into the eggs, then slowly adding more until smooth and combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Stir in honey and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Pour the custard filling into the chilled pie crust, spreading it evenly to avoid air pockets.
6. Step 6: Bake the pie at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes until the filling bubbles and the top browns slightly. The pie may still be a bit jiggly when done.
7. Step 7: Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled and firm.
8. Step 8: Before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt generously over the top to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.
9. Step 9: Slice into 8-10 portions and enjoy chilled.

Tips & Variations

• Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version; the texture will be slightly different but still rich.
• Try different varieties of honey, such as clover, wildflower, or lavender, to add unique flavor nuances.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the pie crust with a gluten-free or graham cracker crust.
• Top the pie with whipped cream, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat is not recommended, as the custard tastes best chilled and maintains its smooth texture. For best results, serve directly from the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought refrigerated pie crust works well and saves time, but homemade crust offers a flakier, more flavorful base for the custard filling.

Why do I need to temper the eggs?

Tempering the eggs by slowly adding hot cream prevents them from scrambling and ensures a smooth, silky custard texture in the filling.

Salted Honey Pie: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Salty Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 77 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x

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Description

Salted Honey Pie is a luscious dessert that harmoniously blends the rich sweetness of honey with a subtle salty finish. Featuring a creamy custard filling made from heavy cream, honey, and vanilla, set in a flaky pie crust, this pie offers a perfect balance of smooth texture and a caramel-like depth of flavor. The flaky sea salt sprinkled on top enhances the sweetness and adds a sophisticated touch, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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Pie Crust

• 1 refrigerated or homemade pie crust (8-inch or 9-inch deep dish pie pan)

Custard Filling

• 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

Topping

• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Place the pie crust in an 8-inch or 9-inch deep dish pie pan and chill in the refrigerator. No pre-baking is required. Chilling the crust helps it bake evenly and prevents shrinking, ensuring a flaky texture. You may optionally sprinkle sugar on top for added sweet crunch.
2. Heat the Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir constantly as the mixture heats to a rolling boil, watching as it thickens and the brown sugar aroma fills your kitchen. Continue stirring to avoid lumps.
3. Temper the Eggs: Remove the cream mixture from heat. Slowly ladle small amounts of the hot cream into the beaten egg yolks while whisking steadily to gently warm the eggs and prevent curdling. Continue until fully combined and smooth.
4. Combine the Mixture: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine. Add honey and vanilla extract, mixing well to infuse the custard with sweet, aromatic flavors.
5. Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the warm custard filling into the chilled pie crust, spreading evenly to avoid air pockets. The filling should be warm but not hot.
6. Bake the Pie: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes. The pie will bubble and the top will brown slightly, with the edges turning golden. The filling might be slightly jiggly when removed but will firm as it cools. Avoid overbaking to prevent a grainy texture.
7. Cool and Set: Let the pie cool at room temperature until set, then refrigerate until completely chilled and firm to enhance flavor melding and custard texture.
8. Finish with Sea Salt: Just before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of flaky sea salt on top to balance the honey’s sweetness and add a burst of mild saltiness and crunch.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Slice into 8-10 portions and serve chilled. The pie features a creamy, smooth custard with perfectly balanced sweet and salty flavors against a crunchy flaky crust.

Notes

• Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Experiment with different honey varieties like clover, wildflower, or lavender for unique flavor profiles. Dark honey or mixing honey with maple syrup can add depth.
• Pie Crust Variations: Use homemade crust for best flavor and flakiness or store-bought for convenience. Gluten-free pie crust or graham cracker crust are great alternatives for dietary preferences and texture variances.
• Topping Ideas: Enhance with whipped cream, toasted nuts (pecans or almonds), or caramel sauce for added texture and flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Perfect for holidays and casual dinners alike. Pair with coffee, sweet Riesling or Moscato wine, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Salted honey pie, honey custard pie, flaky pie crust, creamy custard dessert, sweet and salty pie, homemade honey pie, easy honey pie recipe