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Salted Honey Pie: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Salty Recipe

Salted Honey Pie: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Salty Recipe

5.3 from 30 reviews

Salted Honey Pie is a luscious dessert that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of honey with a hint of flaky sea salt. Featuring a smooth, creamy custard filling made with heavy cream, egg yolks, brown sugar, and honey, all nestled in a flaky pie crust, this pie delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The lightly salted topping enhances the rich, caramel-like notes of the honey custard, making it an inviting treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust

  • 1 refrigerated or homemade pie crust (8-inch deep dish or 9-inch pie pan)

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 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Place the pie crust in your chosen pie pan and chill it in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling. This step ensures the crust bakes evenly and retains its flaky texture without shrinking. Optionally, sprinkle sugar on the crust’s surface before baking to add a sweet crunch.
  2. Heat the Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a rolling boil and thickens slightly, releasing the rich aroma of caramelizing sugar.
  3. Temper the Eggs: Remove the saucepan from heat. Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the beaten egg yolks to gently raise their temperature. Continue adding the cream mixture slowly while whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly and curdling.
  4. Combine the Mixture: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Stir thoroughly until smooth, then add honey and vanilla extract and mix to fully incorporate these flavors.
  5. Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the warm custard filling into the chilled pie crust, spreading evenly without creating air pockets. The filling should be thick and creamy with a pale golden color.
  6. Bake the Pie: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes. The pie will bubble and the top should brown lightly, signaling the custard is setting. Avoid overbaking to prevent graininess. The filling may still jiggle slightly when done.
  7. Cool and Set: Let the pie cool to room temperature on the counter where the custard will continue firming. Then refrigerate until fully chilled and set for the best sliceable texture and flavor meld.
  8. Finish with Sea Salt: Just before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt atop the pie to highlight the sweetness and add a satisfying salty crunch.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Slice into 8-10 portions and serve chilled for a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and salty flavors paired with a flaky crust.

Notes

  • Chilling the pie crust prior to baking helps prevent shrinking and promotes a flaky texture.
  • Tempering the egg yolks is essential for preventing curdling and achieving a smooth custard.
  • Do not overbake to maintain a creamy and silky filling; a slight jiggle indicates doneness.
  • Use high-quality honey for the best flavor impact.
  • Flaky sea salt adds texture and enhances the pie’s complex flavor—avoid using finely ground salt.
  • For a make-ahead dessert, the pie can be refrigerated overnight, improving flavor melding and custard firmness.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted honey pie, honey custard pie, flaky pie crust, sweet and salty dessert, creamy honey pie, easy pie recipe