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Salted Honey Pie – A Sweet & Salty Indulgence

Some desserts feel luxurious while still being beautifully simple, and Salted Honey Pie is one of those creations. It’s a custard-style pie, smooth and creamy, with the deep golden sweetness of honey perfectly contrasted by a touch of flaky sea salt. Unlike traditional fruit pies, this pie focuses on honey as the star ingredient. Combined with cream, brown sugar, and vanilla, it bakes into a luscious filling with a silky, pudding-like texture. The finishing sprinkle of sea salt balances the sweetness and brings out the natural complexity of the honey, creating a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant. This pie is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or when you want to surprise your guests with a dessert that feels unique yet comforting. One slice is never enough—you’ll find yourself going back for more.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
chill time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients
  

For the Pie
  • 1 pie crust refrigerated or homemade
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup honey
  • cup light brown sugar packed
  • cup cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
For Garnish
  • Flaky sea salt sprinkle before serving

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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  • Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Rolling pin (if making homemade crust)
  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Oven
  • Cooling rack
  • Optional:
  • Pie weights (for blind baking crust)
  • Fine mesh sieve (for straining custard)

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Crust
  1. Roll out pie crust and fit into a 9-inch pie dish.
  2. Blind bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, using pie weights to keep crust flat.
  3. Remove and let cool.
Step 2: Make the Custard Filling
  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
  2. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and honey.
  3. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens (6–8 minutes).
Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks
  1. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks.
  2. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of hot custard to yolks (to temper), whisking constantly.
  3. Return yolk mixture to saucepan and whisk until smooth and thickened.
Step 4: Add Vanilla & Fill Crust
  1. Remove custard from heat, stir in vanilla extract.
  2. Pour filling into cooled pie crust, smoothing top with spatula.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
  1. Refrigerate pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
  2. Before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store pie covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Not recommended (custard texture may break).
Reheating: Best served chilled, no reheating needed.
🥄 Variations
Nutty Honey Pie: Add toasted pecans or walnuts on top before chilling.
Citrus Honey Pie: Stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness.
Spiced Honey Pie: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Whipped Cream Topping: Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Mini Honey Pies: Bake in tart shells for individual servings.
❓ 10 FAQs
What type of honey works best?
Clover or wildflower honey works well, but darker honeys give a richer flavor.
Can I make this without cornstarch?
Yes, substitute arrowroot starch or flour, though texture may vary.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! It saves time and still tastes great.
How do I know when the custard is ready?
It should coat the back of a spoon and thicken as it cools.
Do I have to chill the pie?
Yes, chilling sets the custard and makes slicing easier.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free crust; the filling is naturally gluten-free.
Why add sea salt on top?
The salt enhances the honey’s sweetness and adds contrast.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best made a day in advance so it chills overnight.
What can I serve with salted honey pie?
A dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries.
🏁 Conclusion
This Salted Honey Pie is a showstopper—luxuriously sweet, with just enough salty contrast to keep every bite irresistible. The silky custard filling paired with a buttery crust and flaky sea salt makes it a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.
Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you want a unique dessert, this pie will wow your guests and quickly become one of your go-to recipes.