Salted Honey Sweet Salty Pie

Salted Honey Pie is a showstopper dessert that brings together the silkiest honey custard and the addictive sparkle of flaky sea salt, all nestled inside a buttery pie crust. Each slice offers a rich caramel-like flavor courtesy of golden honey, while the creamy texture wins everyone over. The secret to this pie’s charm is how the sweet, rich filling contrasts beautifully with the delicate finish of sea salt on top. Whenever I bring this pie to a get-together, there is never a crumb left—people always ask for the recipe and a second slice.

First time I made this pie was for a friend’s birthday dinner and it immediately became my go-to when I want something special but not fussy. Each time I bake it, the kitchen fills with a caramel aroma and brings back memories of cozy celebrations.

Ingredients

• Pie crust: Choose high-quality butter for best flakiness and flavor
• Egg yolks: Create a silkier custard look for deep yellow yolks
• Heavy whipping cream: Provides a rich and creamy filling get the freshest cream you can
• Light brown sugar: Lends caramel notes soft fresh-packed sugar gives the best texture
• Cornstarch: Acts as the thickener sift before using for smoothness
• Salt: Enhances both sweet and savory notes sea salt works best for finishing
• Honey: Be sure to use a flavorful honey wildflower or clover are both lovely
• Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth use real vanilla for a richer result
• Flaky sea salt: Gives a crunch and balances the sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pie Crust:

Roll out your pie dough and line either a deep dish eight-inch or nine-inch pie pan. Set it in the fridge to keep the crust cold as you prepare the filling. The chill will help prevent shrinking and make sure the bottom gets crisp when baked. If you made a homemade crust try dusting with a bit of sugar for extra sweet crunch.

Heat the Cream Mixture:

In a medium saucepan stir together the heavy whipping cream, packed brown sugar, sifted cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, never leaving the pan, and whisk continuously as the mixture heats. Watch for it to bubble and thicken after several minutes—the aroma will turn sweetly caramel as the sugar cooks.

Temper the Eggs:

Carefully remove the hot cream mixture from the stove. In a separate bowl, slowly whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the lightly beaten egg yolks. Continue gradually adding hot mixture as you whisk until everything is creamy and smooth. This step gently warms the yolks so you get a truly silky custard without bits of cooked egg.

Combine the Mixture:

Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Gently stir everything together while adding the honey and vanilla extract. Let the honey melt in for a deep golden color and inviting aroma. Stir until the custard is glossy and well blended.

Fill the Pie Crust:

Pour the warm custard into your chilled pie shell spreading it evenly. The filling should look thick and golden with no lumps. Smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure the mixture is not piping hot so it sets properly when baked.

Bake the Pie:

Transfer the pie to a preheated oven at 375 F and bake for about forty to forty-five minutes. The filling will puff and bubble slightly as it cooks and the edges will darken to a lovely golden shade. It is ready when the center is just set but still has a gentle jiggle. Do not overbake or the custard can become grainy.

Cool and Set:

Place the pie on a cooling rack and let it come to room temperature. Refrigerate until completely chilled and firm for best sliceability and velvety texture. Do not rush this part or the pie might not cut cleanly.

Finish with Sea Salt:

Right before serving, sprinkle generous pinches of flaky sea salt all over the top of the pie. The contrast of crunchy salt with sweet honey makes every bite irresistible.

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice and serve your Salted Honey Pie chilled. Each slice should have a creamy, thick filling with a crisp crust and sparkling finish from the sea salt. This pie is wonderful on its own or with whipped cream.

Save

My favorite ingredient in this pie is a big-flavored local honey that tastes almost floral with caramel undertones. Last Thanksgiving my niece snuck half the pie before dessert time even started and now it is her most-requested birthday treat.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator. The pie stays silky and sliceable for about three days. If you like the top extra crunchy, add another sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving each slice, since the salt can dissolve a bit in the fridge. Avoid freezing since custard pies can separate once thawed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version—the result is just as luscious and a little coconutty. Try different honeys for subtle flavor changes; lavender honey adds a floral kick and buckwheat honey gives a deeper color and taste. Gluten-free or even graham cracker crusts are both great alternatives if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

Salted Honey Pie is fantastic on its own but also shines topped with softly whipped cream or a scattering of toasted pecans or almonds. For a fancy dessert serve with a drizzle of caramel or orange blossom honey. It pairs beautifully with coffee, black tea, or a glass of dessert wine for a cozy finish to any meal.

Cultural Story

Salted Honey Pie takes cues from southern custard pies but stands out for balancing salty crunch and golden sweetness. Honey has always been prized for adding complexity to sweets while sea salt gives an updated twist. Serving this pie always sparks conversations about childhood desserts and the comfort of classic flavors with a fresh new edge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How do I prevent the custard from curdling?

Carefully temper the egg yolks by adding the hot cream mixture slowly while whisking. This ensures a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.

→ Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, both refrigerated store-bought and homemade pie crusts work well. For even more flavor, try a homemade butter crust or a graham cracker alternative.

→ What type of honey works best?

Clover, wildflower, or even dark honey can be used. Each variety lends its own unique taste, so experiment to find your favorite balance of flavor.

→ Is it necessary to sprinkle flaky sea salt on top?

While optional, a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the pie's sweetness and adds a pleasant texture contrast.

→ How should the pie be served?

Chill the pie thoroughly before slicing. Serve cold, optionally topped with whipped cream, toasted nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel.

→ Can I substitute heavy cream?

You can replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free custard, though the filling will have a slightly different texture.