Salted Honey Pie Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that blends the warm charm of the South with a sophisticated sweet-savory kick, this tar Decadent Twist on a Southern Classic is going to become your new favorite. The Salted Honey Pie brings together the rich, buttery notes of a tender crust with a luscious honey-infused filling, perfectly balanced by a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that elevates every bite. This recipe is not just another pie—it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and tradition reinvented with a delightful edge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this pie is a breeze because the ingredients are simple, yet each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of taste and texture. From the crispness of the crust to the silky smooth filling, every item on the list contributes to this tar Decadent Twist on a Southern Classic.

• 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought): Provides a flaky, buttery base that holds the entire pie together beautifully.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the filling.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Balances the honey’s sweetness with just the right amount of sugary backbone.
• ¼ cup fine cornmeal: Gives a subtle texture and helps thicken the filling for that perfect slice.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, preparing your taste buds for the magic ahead.
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and adds a slight tang that complements the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with warm, comforting aroma.
• ½ cup honey (preferably wildflower or clover): The star ingredient offering floral sweetness and depth.
• 3 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the decadent filling.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and smooths out the texture for a luscious finish.
• Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon): For sprinkling on top, creating the signature salty-sweet finish.

How to Make Salted Honey Pie Recipe 

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by blind baking your pie crust to achieve that perfectly crisp bottom that won’t get soggy under the filling. Chill the crust, line it with foil or parchment paper, and add pie weights or dried beans to keep the shape intact. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Let it cool slightly before adding the filling.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, fine cornmeal, salt, vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla extract, and honey. This combination is where the magic starts, blending sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors with a hint of texture from the cornmeal. The honey infuses a rich character that makes this a true tar Decadent Twist on a Southern Classic.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Cream

Add the eggs one at a time into the mixture, whisking well after each addition to ensure a smooth and even custard. Then stir in the heavy cream until the filling is silky and well combined. This step guarantees a creamy, tender filling that’s decadently smooth after baking.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Pour the luscious filling into your pre-baked crust, then place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes until the filling is just set—slightly jiggly in the center is perfect. Keep an eye on the crust and tent it with foil if it’s browning too quickly. This careful baking makes sure the pie has that ideal balance of a tender, custardy center with a golden crust, bringing your tar Decadent Twist on a Southern Classic to life.

Step 5: Cool and Finish

Once baked, allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack—this takes at least two hours. The cooling time is essential to let the filling set properly. Just before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top to add a stunning contrast that highlights every note of the honeyed filling.

How to Salted Honey Pie Recipe 

Garnishes

Sprinkling flaky sea salt right before serving is the signature touch in this tar Decadent Twist on a Southern Classic, but feel free to add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of extra honey for an even more indulgent experience. A few toasted nuts on top can add a lovely crunch if you want to mix textures.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or alongside fresh berries, which complement the richness while adding a refreshing contrast. A hot cup of black coffee or a spicy chai latte can also beautifully balance the pie’s sweetness when you’re serving it on a chilly evening.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, slice the pie into generous wedges and place each slice on rustic wooden boards or vintage plates to embody Southern hospitality. Garnish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of finely chopped herbs like thyme for a surprisingly elegant twist that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your tar Decadent Twist on a Southern Classic stores beautifully. Keep any leftover pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This maintains the filling’s creaminess while preventing the crust from becoming soggy.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the pie either whole or in slices. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving cold.

Reheating

To revive that freshly-baked warmth, reheat slices in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the crust soggy and the filling texture rubbery. This careful reheating will bring back the tar Decadent Twist on a Southern Classic’s original charm.

FAQs

Can I make the pie crust from scratch?

Absolutely! While store-bought pie crusts save time, a homemade crust adds a personal touch and incredible flavor. Just be sure to blind bake it properly to avoid sogginess under this rich filling.

What type of honey works best?

Wildflower or clover honey are fantastic choices because their floral notes complement this pie beautifully, enhancing the depth without overpowering the other flavors.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

For best results, use heavy cream as it adds necessary richness and smoothness. However, full-fat coconut milk can be a good alternative for a dairy-free twist, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Why is cornmeal used in the filling?

Cornmeal thicken the filling slightly and adds a faint texture that makes each slice interesting and satisfying—it’s one of the clever touches that make this a true tar Decadent Twist on a Southern Classic.

How important is the flaky sea salt topping?

The flaky sea salt is critical! It enhances the honey’s sweetness and adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the silky filling, making each bite unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Honey Pie is truly a treasure that beautifully captures a perfect tar Decadent Twist on a Southern Classic. Its harmonious blend of flavors and textures invites you to indulge without guilt and impress family and friends alike. I encourage you to try this recipe and discover just how delightful and comforting a twist on tradition can be!

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