Hey everyone, Daniel here! You know, I started Reciqa because cooking has always been my happy place. It’s not just about whipping up something tasty; it’s about those moments around the table, connecting with people, and making memories. I love sharing recipes that feel totally doable, whether it’s a comforting everyday meal or a special dessert that makes everyone smile. That’s exactly the vibe I was going for with this Salted Honey Pie: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Salty. This pie is a dream – it’s got that amazing balance of sweet honey and just the right touch of salt that makes you go back for another slice. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular, and that’s what Reciqa is all about: joy in the kitchen, made easy.
Why You’ll Love This Salted Honey Pie
Seriously, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s going to impress without stressing you out, this is it! This pie hits all the right notes. It’s got that gorgeous, creamy texture from the honey custard and a flaky crust that just melts in your mouth. Plus, it looks absolutely stunning when you serve it up, especially with that sprinkle of sea salt on top.
- Incredible flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to baking pies.
- A real showstopper that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to fancier dinners.
- The balance of sweet and salty is just *chef’s kiss*.
The Irresistible Sweet and Salty Combination
Okay, let’s talk about the magic! The honey brings this warm, floral sweetness that’s so much richer than plain sugar. Then, that sprinkle of flaky sea salt? Oh my goodness, it’s a game-changer. It cuts through the sweetness just enough, making every bite pop and keeping you wanting more. It’s that perfect dance between sweet and salty that makes this pie so addictive.
Simple Steps for a Stunning Dessert
Don’t let the fancy look fool you! This pie is genuinely straightforward to put together. You’ll be chilling the crust, whisking up a simple custard, and then letting the oven do most of the work. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for it to chill properly because it smells *so* good! It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a pro baker, even if you’re just starting out.
Gather Your Ingredients for Salted Honey Pie
Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need to whip up this dreamy Salted Honey Pie! Having everything ready is half the battle, right? It makes the whole process so much smoother. Don’t worry if you don’t have something exact; I’ll chat a bit about options in the subsections below. But for the core recipe, here’s what you should have on hand:
| Pie Crust | 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe) |
| Egg Yolks | 4 large, lightly beaten (save those whites for meringues or an omelet!) |
| Heavy Cream | 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) – this is key for that luscious texture! |
| Brown Sugar | 2/3 cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar |
| Cornstarch | 1/3 cup (45 g), sifted (sifting really helps avoid lumps!) |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon (for the custard itself) |
| Honey | 1/2 cup (120 ml) – pick a good one you love the taste of! |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Flaky Sea Salt | For sprinkling on top right before serving |
Pie Crust Essentials
For this pie, you’ll need one unbaked 9-inch pie crust. You can totally use a store-bought one if you’re short on time – no judgment here! Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, your go-to homemade flaky crust recipe works beautifully. Whichever you choose, just make sure it’s ready to go into the pie pan and chilled while you whip up the filling.
Custard Filling Staples
The heart of this pie is that creamy, dreamy custard. You’ll need four large egg yolks for richness and that gorgeous golden color. Heavy whipping cream is non-negotiable for that super smooth, luxurious texture, so try not to swap that out if you can help it! Light brown sugar gives it a lovely depth, and sifted cornstarch is our thickening agent here, making sure it sets up perfectly. And of course, good quality honey! Use a honey you really enjoy the flavor of, because its taste really shines through.
The Finishing Touch: Sea Salt
This is where the magic happens! You’ll want flaky sea salt for the topping. Think Maldon or something similar – those pretty, irregular flakes dissolve nicely and give you little bursts of salty goodness. It’s not just for looks; it’s what makes this pie so special by balancing all that sweet, sweet honey. Don’t skip this part!
How to Prepare Your Salted Honey Pie
Alright, let’s get this pie into the oven! Making this Salted Honey Pie is a pretty straightforward process, and honestly, it’s quite fun. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous, delicious pie that’s perfect for any occasion. Remember, the chilling time is super important for the best texture, so plan ahead a little!
Preparing the Pie Crust Base
First things first, get your pie crust ready. You’ll want to gently place your 9-inch pie crust into your pie pan. Don’t pre-bake it! Just pop it into the fridge to chill. This is a crucial step because it helps the crust hold its shape and keeps it from shrinking too much while the filling bakes. Let it chill while you work on that yummy custard.
Crafting the Creamy Honey Custard
Now for the star of the show – that luscious custard filling! In a medium saucepan, combine your heavy whipping cream, packed light brown sugar, sifted cornstarch, and the 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring pretty much constantly. You want it to come to a gentle, rolling boil and thicken up just a bit. While that’s happening, lightly beat your egg yolks in a separate bowl. Once the cream mixture is hot and bubbly, take it off the heat. Now, this is important: you need to temper the eggs! Ladle a small amount of that hot cream mixture into your beaten yolks while whisking like crazy. This slowly raises the temperature of the yolks so they don’t scramble. Keep adding a little more hot cream mixture, whisking all the time, until it’s all combined and looks smooth. Pour this tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream. Give it a good stir until everything is nice and smooth. Finally, stir in your honey and vanilla extract until they’re fully incorporated. See? Easy peasy!
Baking and Setting Your Salted Honey Pie
Okay, filling time! Gently pour that beautiful custard into your chilled pie crust. Spread it out evenly. Now, pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). You’ll want to bake it for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for the filling to be set, but it might still have a *tiny* little jiggle right in the very center, kind of like Jell-O. The top will start to get a lovely golden brown color. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool completely on a wire rack on your counter. This can take a couple of hours. After it’s reached room temperature, cover it loosely and pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This chilling step is what allows the custard to fully set and become that perfect, sliceable consistency.
The Final Flourish: Adding Sea Salt
This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Right before you serve your gorgeous Salted Honey Pie, it’s time for that signature sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Take your flaky sea salt and just sprinkle it evenly all over the top. Don’t be shy! It’s this salty kiss that really makes the honey flavor sing and cuts through the richness. It looks so pretty and tastes even better.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Salted Honey Pie
You know, even with a simple recipe, a few little tricks can make all the difference between a good pie and a truly *great* Salted Honey Pie. I’ve learned a thing or two over the years, and I want to share them with you so yours turns out absolutely perfect. These tips aren’t complicated, but they really help avoid common kitchen oopsies.
Achieving a Flaky Crust Every Time
A flaky crust is the backbone of a good pie, right? Make sure your crust is nice and cold before you even start. If you’re using a store-bought one, keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. And when you’re chilling the crust with the filling in it? Make sure it’s in there good and cold. A cold crust hitting a hot oven is the secret to those lovely flaky layers!
Ensuring a Smooth Custard Filling
The key to that silky-smooth custard is really in the tempering and whisking. When you add the hot cream mixture to the egg yolks, do it GRADUALLY and whisk like you mean it. This slowly warms the yolks so they don’t scramble. Also, sifting your cornstarch beforehand is a game-changer – it stops those annoying little lumps from forming in your filling. Whisk it well after adding it back to the saucepan, too!
Temperature Control for Baking Success
Oven temperatures can be tricky, can’t they? Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F (190°C). If your oven runs a little hot or cool, an oven thermometer is a lifesaver. You’re looking for that gentle jiggle in the center when it’s done – not a liquid slosh, but a slight wobble. If the crust edges start browning too fast, you can always loosely tent some foil around them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salted Honey Pie
Got questions about making this delicious Salted Honey Pie? I’ve got you covered! Here are some things folks often ask, and I’m happy to share my tips to make sure your pie turns out perfectly.
Can I make this Salted Honey Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie is actually *better* made ahead. It needs at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, in the fridge to fully set. So, you can totally bake it the day before your event. Just add the flaky sea salt right before serving.
What kind of honey is best for this pie?
The honey really shines through here, so use one you love the taste of! A good quality wildflower honey or a light clover honey works beautifully. If you want a deeper, richer flavor, a buckwheat or darker honey would be interesting, but it will change the color and taste profile a bit. Experimenting is part of the fun!
How do I prevent my pie crust from shrinking?
The trick to a crust that keeps its shape is keeping it cold! Make sure your pie crust is well-chilled before you fill it, and chilling it again once it’s filled is also a great idea. Baking it in a properly preheated oven helps set the crust quickly, preventing it from shrinking too much.
Can I substitute the heavy cream in this Salted Honey Pie?
I really recommend sticking with heavy whipping cream for that classic creamy, luxurious texture. If you absolutely need a dairy-free option, full-fat canned coconut milk is your best bet. Just make sure it’s the full-fat kind! The texture might be a tiny bit different, but it’ll still be delicious.
Storing and Reheating Your Salted Honey Pie
So, you have some delicious Salted Honey Pie left over? Lucky you! This pie stores like a dream, and honestly, it’s just as good, if not better, the next day. Once it’s completely chilled and set, you’ll want to cover it well. I usually just use plastic wrap, making sure it’s snug against the surface, or pop it into an airtight container. It’s best kept in the refrigerator.
| Storage Method | Refrigerate |
| How Long it Lasts | 3-4 days |
| To Reheat? | No, it’s best served chilled. |
Seriously, don’t try to reheat this one! The beauty of this pie is its cool, creamy texture. Just grab a slice from the fridge, add a little sprinkle of fresh sea salt if you want that extra kick, and enjoy. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast (don’t judge!) or a lovely afternoon treat.
Nutritional Information for Salted Honey Pie
Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional stuff for our amazing Salted Honey Pie. Now, keep in mind these numbers are just estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on the exact brands you use, if you make your crust from scratch, or even the specific type of honey. But this should give you a good idea of what you’re working with per slice.
| Serving Size | 1 slice (approx. 1/8th of the pie) |
| Calories | Approx. 400-450 kcal |
| Fat | Approx. 25-30 g |
| Saturated Fat | Approx. 15-20 g |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 40-45 g |
| Sugar | Approx. 30-35 g |
| Protein | Approx. 5-7 g |
| Sodium | Approx. 150-200 mg (this doesn’t include the added sea salt sprinkle!) |
So, as you can see, it’s a lovely treat that’s rich and satisfying. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Salted Honey Pie: 1 Heavenly Sweet & Salty Bite
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salted Honey Pie is a delicious dessert that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors. A creamy honey custard filling is baked in a flaky pie crust and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful contrast.
Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) pie crust (refrigerated or homemade)
- 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
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Place your pie crust in an 8-inch deep dish or 9-inch pie pan. Do not pre-bake. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you make the filling.
- Heat the Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine heavy whipping cream, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a rolling boil and thickens slightly.
- Temper the Eggs: Remove the cream mixture from heat. Ladle a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the beaten egg yolks while whisking constantly. Gradually add more of the cream mixture, whisking until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine the Mixture: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Stir until well combined and smooth. Add the honey and vanilla extract, stirring to incorporate.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the custard mixture into the chilled pie crust. Spread evenly.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set but may still slightly jiggle in the center. The top will begin to brown.
- Cool and Set: Let the pie cool on the counter until it reaches room temperature. Then, refrigerate until completely chilled and firm, at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Finish with Sea Salt: Before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt generously over the top of the pie.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the pie into 8-10 portions and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute full-fat coconut milk for heavy whipping cream. The texture may vary slightly.
- Experiment with different types of honey for unique flavor profiles. Darker honey or a mix of honey and maple syrup can provide a deeper taste.
- A homemade pie crust offers the best flaky texture. Gluten-free or graham cracker crusts are also options.
- Optional toppings include whipped cream, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- This pie pairs well with coffee, dessert wine, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American