Easy Salted Honey Pie

This honey pie transforms simple ingredients into a dessert that feels both homey and sophisticated. The balance of sweet honey with a touch of salt creates an irresistible flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

I first made this pie for a potluck where I needed something quick but memorable. The combination of the flaky crust with the silky honey filling had everyone asking for the recipe before the night was over.

Ingredients

• Unbaked 9 inch pie crust: provides the perfect vessel for the honey filling. Whether store bought or homemade works beautifully.
• Honey: creates the star flavor. Choose a good quality honey as its flavor shines through in this recipe.
• Heavy cream: adds richness and helps create that silky smooth texture.
• Large eggs: provide structure and help the filling set properly.
• Unsalted butter: enhances mouthfeel and adds a subtle richness.
• Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances the honey flavor. Both in the filling and sprinkled on top.
• Vanilla extract: optional but adds a lovely aromatic quality to complement the honey.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Warm your oven to 350°F to ensure even baking. Taking this step first allows your oven to reach the proper temperature while you prepare the other components. An accurately preheated oven is crucial for the perfect texture.

Prepare the Pie Crust:

Take your unbaked crust and position it in your 9 inch pie plate. Press it gently against the bottom and sides without stretching the dough which can cause shrinkage. Creating a decorative crimped edge not only looks beautiful but helps contain the filling during baking.

Make the Filling:

Combine your eggs, honey, heavy cream, melted butter, salt and vanilla in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth with no streaks of egg visible. The mixture should look glossy and uniform. This thorough mixing ensures a silky smooth texture in the finished pie.

Fill the Crust:

Pour your honey mixture carefully into the prepared crust. Fill it to just below the crimped edge to prevent overflow during baking. The filling will puff slightly as it bakes so leaving that small margin prevents messy spillovers.

Bake the Pie:

Place your pie in the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Look for a mostly set filling with just a slight jiggle in the center when gently moved. The center will continue firming up as it cools so avoid overbaking which can make the filling rubbery.

Cool and Chill:

Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours. This gradual cooling process helps prevent cracks in the filling and allows the flavors to fully develop. The chilling time is non negotiable for achieving the perfect texture.

Add the Finishing Touch:

Just before serving, sprinkle a light dusting of flaky sea salt across the top of the pie. This final flourish not only looks beautiful but creates little bursts of salt that perfectly contrast with the sweet honey filling.

Save

The first time I served this pie at Thanksgiving, my grandmother who rarely compliments anything declared it better than her mother's chess pie. Now I make two every holiday because one disappears too quickly for leftovers.

Storage Tips

This honey pie actually improves with a day or two in the refrigerator as the flavors meld and deepen. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or store in a pie keeper for up to 5 days. I find the texture is best when allowed to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving from the refrigerator.

Honey Selection Matters

The type of honey you choose significantly impacts the final flavor profile of your pie. Clover honey offers a mild, sweet flavor that lets other ingredients shine, while buckwheat honey provides a deeper, more robust character. Wildflower honey brings floral notes that complement the vanilla beautifully. For a truly special occasion, consider splurging on orange blossom or lavender honey which add subtle aromatic qualities to the finished dessert.

Perfect Pairings

This salted honey pie pairs wonderfully with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more sophisticated presentation, serve it alongside fresh berries or a drizzle of warm fruit compote. Coffee lovers will appreciate how the bitter notes of a good espresso balance the sweetness of the pie, while tea drinkers should try it with Earl Grey or a robust breakfast blend.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use store-bought pie crust for this dessert?

Absolutely! This pie works beautifully with either store-bought or homemade pie crust. The store-bought option saves time without compromising the final result, making this an even quicker dessert to prepare.

→ What type of honey works best in this pie?

Any liquid honey works well, but different varieties will create unique flavor profiles. Try wildflower honey for a floral note, clover honey for mild sweetness, or buckwheat honey for a more robust flavor. The better the quality of honey, the more distinctive the final taste.

→ Is the vanilla extract necessary?

The vanilla extract is optional but adds a lovely complementary flavor that enhances the honey. You can omit it if unavailable or substitute with a small amount of almond extract or even a touch of cinnamon for a different flavor dimension.

→ What type of salt should I sprinkle on top?

Flaky sea salt like Maldon or fleur de sel works best for the finishing touch. These salts provide a pleasant textural contrast and burst of flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness. Table salt isn't recommended for topping as it's too fine and harsh.

→ Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! This pie actually benefits from being made ahead. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add the final sprinkle of salt just before serving for the best presentation and flavor experience.

→ Why does my pie need to chill in the refrigerator?

Chilling for at least 2 hours allows the filling to fully set and develop its creamy, custard-like texture. It also enhances the flavors as they have time to meld together, resulting in a more complex and satisfying dessert.