Salted Honey Pie: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Salty Recipe
Salted Honey Pie is a luscious dessert that masterfully balances sweet and salty flavors with a creamy honey-infused custard filling nestled in a flaky pie crust. This easy-to-make pie features a smooth, rich texture highlighted by a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, elevating the honey’s natural sweetness and creating an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pie Crust
- 1 deep dish refrigerated or homemade 8-inch or 9-inch pie crust
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 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Finishing
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Place your refrigerated or homemade pie crust in a deep dish 8-inch or 9-inch pie pan. Chill it thoroughly in the fridge to keep it cold, which prevents shrinking and encourages a flaky texture during baking. Optional: sprinkle a little sugar on top for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Heat the Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine heavy whipping cream, brown sugar, sifted cornstarch, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a rolling boil and thickens slightly. The aroma of caramelizing brown sugar will fill your kitchen as it thickens.
- Temper the Eggs: Remove the cream mixture from heat. Gradually whisk small amounts of the hot cream into the beaten egg yolks to gently warm them without scrambling. Continue slowly until the eggs are fully tempered and smooth.
- Combine the Mixture: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Stir well until smooth. Add honey and vanilla extract, stirring to evenly incorporate their flavors into the custard base.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the warm, smooth custard filling into the chilled pie crust, spreading it evenly to avoid air pockets for a uniform texture and flavor in every slice.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The filling will bubble and the top will develop a golden-brown crust. The edges of the crust will turn golden as well. Do not overbake; it should still be slightly jiggly when removed.
- Cool and Set: Let the pie cool to room temperature on the counter. Then refrigerate it for several hours or until completely chilled and firm to allow the custard to set perfectly.
- Finish with Sea Salt: Just before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of flaky sea salt on top of the pie. The salt enhances the honey’s sweetness and adds a delightful crunch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice into 8-10 portions and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy honey custard with the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors paired with a flaky, crunchy crust.
Notes
- Do not pre-bake the pie crust; chilling it before filling helps prevent shrinking and promotes flakiness.
- Temper the egg yolks slowly to avoid curdling the custard.
- Use high-quality honey for the best flavor impact.
- Cooling and refrigerating the pie completely is essential for the custard to set properly.
- Flaky sea salt crystals provide the best texture and flavor contrast compared to regular table salt.
- Pie can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of pie)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Keywords: Salted Honey Pie, honey custard pie, sweet and salty dessert, flaky pie crust, custard pie recipe, easy baking dessert