As I was savoring a summer evening on the porch, the gentle breeze carried a hint of sweetness that reminded me of my childhood—when my grandmother would whip up her famous Salted Honey Pie. This delightful Southern dessert is more than just a treat; it’s a symphony of sweet and salty flavors, nestled in a buttery crust that’s incredibly easy to prepare. The best part? Whether you’re hosting friends or indulging in a cozy night alone, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours. Plus, with options for personalization and a dairy-free twist, everyone can enjoy a slice of this creamy goodness. Are you ready to bring a taste of the South into your home? Let’s dive into the delicious world of Salted Honey Pie!
Why is Salted Honey Pie so irresistible?
Indulgent Flavor: With its perfect balance of sweet and salty, this pie delights your taste buds in every bite.
Simplicity: It’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients—great for both novice and experienced bakers.
Versatility: You can personalize your pie with a variety of flavors, like citrus zest or nuts, ensuring it suits every occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Whether for a gathering or a quiet night, this pie is sure to impress. Seeking something equally special? Try the delicious Honey Butter Cajun shrimp grits or enjoy a warm slice of the comforting Vegan Shepherd’s Pie.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It stores beautifully, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping or entertaining. Enjoy a slice that embodies the spirit of Southern baking!
Tasty Salted Honey Pie Ingredients
For the Crust
• 9-inch Pie Crust – Choose a buttery base, either homemade or store-bought for convenience.
For the Filling
• Unsalted Butter (½ cup) – Adds richness; opt for high-quality for the best taste.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the filling; you can reduce this for a less sweet pie.
• Cornmeal (¼ cup) – Provides structure without grittiness; a fine grind ensures a smooth texture.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Enhances flavors; kosher or sea salt works best for this recipe.
• Vinegar or Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon) – Balances the sweetness; fresh lemon juice is an excellent substitute.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Complements the honey with a depth of flavor.
• Honey (½ cup) – This key ingredient brings floral sweetness to the pie.
• Eggs (3 large) – Adds structure and creaminess; use room temperature for better blending.
• Heavy Cream (½ cup) – Contributes to the richness; substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
• Flaky Sea Salt – Sprinkle on top to enhance the sweet-salty dynamic before serving.
This tasty salted honey pie not only brings comfort to your table but also introduces a delightful mix of flavors that everyone will adore!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Tasty Salted Honey Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully fit your choice of homemade or store-bought 9-inch pie crust into a pie pan, ensuring it is evenly placed. Blind bake the crust for 12–15 minutes until it starts to firm up, and then allow it to bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a crisp texture. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Gradually mix in the cornmeal, salt, vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla extract, and honey. Blend these ingredients until you have a silky, cohesive filling that will create a luscious layer in your tasty salted honey pie.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time into your honey mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully integrated. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy custard texture. Once the eggs are incorporated, slowly stir in the heavy cream until the mixture appears glossy and well-combined, indicating it’s ready for baking.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
Pour the filling into your pre-baked crust, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Bake the salted honey pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center of the pie has a slight jiggle, signifying a perfectly set custard that will be creamy and delightful.
Step 5: Cool
Once baked, remove your pie from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool completely for at least 2 hours. This cooling period allows the filling to firm up, enhancing the texture and flavor of your tasty salted honey pie. Patience is key here, as rushing may compromise your pie’s structure.
Step 6: Serve
After cooling, sprinkle flaky sea salt generously on top of the pie to highlight the sweet-salty dynamic. Slice your tasty salted honey pie and serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat that brings a touch of Southern charm to your table.
Make Ahead Options
These Tasty Salted Honey Pies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the pie crust up to 3 days in advance, storing it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Additionally, the filling can be made up to 24 hours ahead; simply combine all filling ingredients and refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy, pour the chilled filling into the pre-baked crust and bake as instructed. This make-ahead strategy ensures that your pie tastes just as delightful while saving you precious time on busy days!
What to Serve with Tasty Salted Honey Pie
Elevate your experience with delightful accompaniments that enhance the sweet-salty goodness of this Southern classic.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop adds a creamy contrast that perfectly balances the pie’s richness.
Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries offers a fruity burst that complements the pie’s flavors beautifully. Their acidity cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing touch.
Toasted Almond Ice Cream: Creamy and nutty, this dessert is a luxurious pairing that adds warmth and depth to every bite of your salted honey pie.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of strong brewed coffee or a fragrant herbal tea enhances the pie experience and serves as a cozy companion to your dessert.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzled over the pie, a touch of melted chocolate introduces an indulgent richness, making each slice even more decadent.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Sprinkling a mix of cinnamon and sugar on top imparts a warm spice that harmonizes with the honey, inviting a comforting feel.
Pecan Praline Sauce: Sweet and nutty, this sauce can be drizzled over slices, adding crunch and an irresistible caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the pie.
Lemonade or Sweet Tea: A glass of zesty lemonade or classic sweet tea provides a refreshing counterpoint to the pie’s creamy texture and sweetness.
Tasty Salted Honey Pie Variations
Feel free to let your creativity flourish as you personalize this delightful pie to suit your taste buds!
Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, providing a rich and creamy texture without dairy.
Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing burst of flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a satisfying crunch and a touch of nutty richness.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pie for an indulgent and velvety finish that will elevate your dessert.
Seasonal Spices: Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, autumn-inspired flavor that’ll wrap you in warmth.
Flavored Honey: Experiment with unique honey varieties such as lavender or eucalyptus to introduce new floral notes to your pie.
Less Sweet: Reduce the granulated sugar by up to ¼ cup for a dessert that’s less sweet but still satisfying.
Herb Infusion: For a sophisticated touch, add a hint of fresh rosemary or thyme to the filling for an herbaceous twist that surprises and delights!
As you embark on your culinary adventure, consider pairing your pie with a scoop of chilled vanilla ice cream for an extra scoop of joy, or perhaps enjoy it alongside a slice of the comforting Old-Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie for a delightful dessert spread!
Storage Tips for Tasty Salted Honey Pie
- Fridge: Store your salted honey pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep it fresh and delicious.
- Freezer: Slice the pie and freeze individual pieces for up to 2 months. Wrap each slice well in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container.
- Thawing: To enjoy frozen slices, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Reheating: If you’d like to warm your pie slightly, use the microwave in short intervals or reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until just warmed through.
Expert Tips for Tasty Salted Honey Pie
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy custard for the filling.
- Blind Bake the Crust: This essential step prevents a soggy bottom, ensuring your pie crust remains flaky and delicious.
- Monitor Bake Time: Aim for a slight jiggle in the center when baking your salted honey pie; overbaking will lead to a dry texture.
- Quality Honey Matters: Opt for high-quality honey, such as wildflower or clover, to enhance the flavor profile and sweetness of your pie.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow your pie to cool completely for better slicing and enhanced flavors; this step is crucial for the ultimate taste experience.
Tasty Salted Honey Pie Recipe FAQs
What type of honey should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For the best results in your tasty salted honey pie, I recommend using high-quality honey, such as wildflower or clover honey. The floral notes and depth of flavor from these varieties elevate the pie’s overall taste. Avoid cheap, processed honey as it may lack the richness that makes this dessert so special.
How can I tell if my pie crust is baked properly?
Very good question! After blind baking, your crust should be golden brown and firm to the touch. Aim for a baking time of 12–15 minutes, then add 5 more minutes for a crisp finish. If your crust looks pale or doughy, give it a few more minutes to ensure it holds up beautifully under that luscious filling.
How should I store my leftover pie?
I often make sure to store my salted honey pie tightly covered in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Can I freeze my salted honey pie?
Absolutely! To freeze your tasty salted honey pie, slice it into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in an airtight container to keep them from freezer burn. These slices can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
What if my pie cracks after baking?
No worries! Cracking can happen, especially if the pie is overbaked. To avoid this, keep an eye on the baking time; you want a slight jiggle in the center when it’s done. If cracks form despite your best efforts, don’t fret! Just dust the top with flaky sea salt or a drizzle of honey to hide them, and it will still taste divine!
Is this recipe suitable for those with dairy allergies?
Yes! This tasty salted honey pie can cater to dietary needs as a dairy-free option. Simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or another dairy-free alternative. Ensure that your pie crust does not contain any dairy products, or use a plant-based alternative, and you’ll have a delightful treat everyone can enjoy!
Tasty Salted Honey Pie – A Comforting Southern Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and fit your pie crust into the pie pan. Blind bake for 12-15 minutes until firm, then bake for an additional 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar, whisking until smooth. Mix in cornmeal, salt, vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla extract, and honey until cohesive.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in heavy cream until glossy and well-combined.
- Pour filling into the pre-baked crust and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes until the center has a slight jiggle.
- Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to firm up.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top and slice to serve, ideally with tea or coffee.
