Easy Salted Honey Pie Recipe – A Rich & Elegant Dessert
Salted Honey Pie represents the perfect harmony between sweet golden honey and a whisper of sea salt that transforms an ordinary dessert into something truly extraordinary.
Picture this: you’re hosting a dinner party, and as you slice into this gorgeous pie, the aroma of caramelized honey fills the room while that delicate sprinkle of flaky salt creates the most divine contrast on your guests’ taste buds. This isn’t just another dessert—it’s a conversation starter, a memory maker, and surprisingly, one of the easiest pies you’ll ever master.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salted honey pie recipe will become your secret weapon for impressing family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. I discovered this gem during a particularly stressful week when I needed something special but simple for my book club meeting. The beauty lies in its foolproof nature—even if you’re new to pie making, the five-step process guides you seamlessly from start to finish.
What truly sets this homemade honey pie apart is how the cornmeal adds a subtle texture that perfectly complements the silky honey filling, while that final sprinkle of sea salt elevates every single bite. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished their slice. Explore more delicious dinner recipes here to complete your perfect meal.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this show-stopping sweet and salty pie:
| Component | Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crust | 9-inch pie crust | 1 | Homemade or store-bought (blind baked) |
| Filling | Unsalted butter | ½ cup | Melted and slightly cooled |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | ||
| Fine grind cornmeal | ¼ cup | ||
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | ||
| White vinegar or lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | ||
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | ||
| Honey | ½ cup | Preferably wildflower or clover for rich flavor | |
| Large eggs | 3 | ||
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | ||
| Topping | Flaky sea salt | To taste | Such as Maldon, to finish |
This simple salted dessert recipe proves that the best flavors often come from the most straightforward ingredient combinations. Discover more satisfying lunch recipes here to round out your culinary repertoire with equally impressive yet achievable dishes.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a store-bought crust, place it in your 9-inch pie pan and blind bake for 10 minutes. For homemade crusts, follow your standard blind baking process. This ensures your Salted Honey Pie won’t have a soggy bottom.
Step 2: Create the Base Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, salt, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined. The cornmeal might seem unusual, but it creates that signature texture that makes this honey pie recipe so special.
Step 3: Add the Star Ingredients
Slowly drizzle in the honey while whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, gently fold in the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and golden.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the filling into your prepared crust and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is just set but still has a slight jiggle. The top should be golden brown with a beautiful caramelized appearance.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Allow the pie to cool completely before sprinkling with flaky sea salt. This final step transforms your dessert into the ultimate sweet and salty pie that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Exact Timing to make Salted Honey Pie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Blind Baking Crust: 10 minutes
- Mixing Filling: 8 minutes
- Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 hours minimum
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
Here’s the comprehensive nutritional breakdown for one slice of Salted Honey Pie (based on 8 servings per pie):
| Nutrient | Per Slice | % Daily Value | Health Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 385 | 19% | Moderate calorie content for dessert |
| Total Fat | 18g | 23% | Primarily from butter and cream |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% | High due to dairy content |
| Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% | From eggs and dairy |
| Sodium | 290mg | 13% | Includes added sea salt |
| Total Carbohydrates | 54g | 20% | Natural sugars from honey |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% | Minimal from cornmeal |
| Total Sugars | 48g | – | Natural honey sugars |
| Added Sugars | 19g | 38% | From granulated sugar |
| Protein | 5g | 10% | Primarily from eggs |
| Vitamin A | 185mcg | 21% | From butter and eggs |
| Calcium | 65mg | 5% | From dairy ingredients |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% | From cornmeal and eggs |
Nutritional data based on USDA food composition databases and standard ingredient analysis.
Healthier Alternatives
Transform your Salted Honey Pie into a more nutritious treat with these smart substitutions that maintain the incredible flavor profile:
| Original Ingredient | Healthier Alternative | Benefit | Taste Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular pie crust | Whole wheat pastry flour crust | Adds fiber and nutrients | Slightly nuttier flavor |
| Heavy cream | Greek yogurt (plain) | Reduces calories, adds protein | Tangier, still creamy |
| Granulated sugar | Coconut sugar or date syrup | Lower glycemic index | Subtle caramel notes |
| All honey | Half honey, half pure maple syrup | Varied antioxidants | Complex sweetness |
| Whole eggs | 2 whole eggs + 2 egg whites | Reduces cholesterol | Lighter texture |
| Regular butter | Grass-fed butter or vegan butter | Better fatty acid profile | Same rich taste |
| Regular salt | Himalayan pink salt | Trace minerals | Enhanced mineral flavor |
Dietary Adaptations:
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for crust
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream and vegan butter
- Lower Sugar: Reduce honey by ¼ cup and add stevia to taste
Explore more delicious desserts here to discover additional healthier sweet treats that satisfy your cravings without compromising your wellness goals.

Serving Suggestions
Classic Presentation: Serve your Salted Honey Pie at room temperature with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the cool, creamy topping and the rich honey filling creates an unforgettable dessert experience that showcases the sweet and salty balance perfectly.
Elegant Garnishes: Elevate your presentation by drizzling additional honey around the plate and adding a few fresh berries or edible flowers. A light dusting of extra flaky sea salt just before serving intensifies the salted element and creates visual appeal.
Perfect Pairings: This homemade honey pie pairs beautifully with a cup of strong black coffee, Earl Grey tea, or even a glass of dessert wine. The caffeine cuts through the sweetness while complementing the honey’s natural complexity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overbaking the Filling: The most critical error when making Salted Honey Pie is baking until the center is completely firm. The filling should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven, as it will continue cooking from residual heat and set up perfectly as it cools.
Skipping the Blind Bake: Never pour the filling into an unbaked crust. Without blind baking, your pie bottom will be soggy and undercooked, ruining the texture contrast that makes this simple salted dessert so appealing.
Adding Salt Too Early: Wait until the pie is completely cooled before adding the flaky sea salt topping. Adding it while hot will cause the salt to dissolve and lose that essential textural element that defines this sweet and salty pie.
Storing Tips
Refrigeration Requirements: Store your Salted Honey Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The honey filling maintains its texture well when chilled, and the flavors actually deepen and improve after the first day. Always cover with plastic wrap or foil to prevent the pie from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
Freezing Instructions: This honey pie recipe freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Temperature: For optimal taste, remove the pie from refrigeration 30-45 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. The honey filling becomes silky and luxurious when not ice-cold, and the flavors are more pronounced at room temperature.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Salted Honey Pie ahead of time for special occasions?
A: Absolutely! Salted Honey Pie is actually better when made a day ahead, as the flavors have time to meld and develop. Prepare the pie completely, cover, and refrigerate. Add the flaky sea salt just before serving for the best texture and visual appeal.
Q: What type of honey works best for Salted Honey Pie?
A: Wildflower or clover honey provides the ideal flavor balance for this recipe. Avoid very strong honeys like buckwheat, as they can overpower the delicate sweet and salty balance. If you only have crystallized honey, gently warm it until liquid before using in your Salted Honey Pie.
Q: Why does my Salted Honey Pie filling separate or curdle?
A: Separation typically occurs when the eggs are added too quickly or when the butter mixture is too hot. Always let melted butter cool slightly before adding eggs, and incorporate them one at a time while whisking constantly. Room temperature eggs also blend more easily and reduce the risk of curdling.
Q: How can I tell when my Salted Honey Pie is perfectly baked?
A: Your Salted Honey Pie is ready when the edges are set and golden brown, but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken. The filling will continue to set as it cools, so removing it at this point prevents overbaking and ensures the signature custardy texture that makes this dessert so special.
Salted Honey Pie
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes including cooling
- Yield: 1 pie 1x
Description
This salted honey pie offers a smooth honey filling balanced with a touch of sea salt for a simple dessert that feels special. It is ideal for anyone looking for recipes dessert or recipes quick that impress without extra effort.
Ingredients
- 1 nine inch pie crust, blind baked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fine grind cornmeal
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Flaky sea salt to finish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and blind bake the nine inch crust for 10 minutes.
- Whisk melted butter, sugar, cornmeal, salt, vinegar, and vanilla until combined.
- Add honey slowly while whisking. Beat in eggs one at a time. Fold in the cream.
- Pour filling into crust and bake 45 to 50 minutes until set with a slight jiggle.
- Cool fully and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.
Notes
Allow the pie to cool for at least two hours to set properly. Cooling the butter fully helps create a smooth filling texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 to 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 47g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: salted honey pie, recipes dessert, recipes quick

