There’s something magical about the moment you take your first bite of salted honey pie. The sweet golden honey dances on your tongue, while the subtle hint of sea salt creates the perfect balance that leaves you craving more. I’ll never forget the first time I encountered this incredible dessert at a small café in Charleston – it was love at first bite! The combination seemed almost too simple to be extraordinary, yet it completely changed my perspective on what a pie could be.
If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s both sophisticated and comforting, this salted honey pie recipe will become your new obsession. Unlike traditional fruit pies or heavy chocolate desserts, this creation offers a unique flavor profile that’s neither too sweet nor too salty – it’s absolutely perfect. Today, I’m sharing my perfected recipe that has won over countless dinner guests and family members who initially questioned the concept of honey as a pie filling.
What Makes Salted Honey Pie Special
This isn’t your grandmother’s apple pie, and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. The beauty of salted honey pie lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient complements the others. The creamy, custard-like filling gets its richness from eggs and butter, while the honey provides natural sweetness with complex floral notes that vary depending on the honey variety you choose.
The salt element isn’t overwhelming – it’s carefully balanced to enhance the honey’s natural flavors while adding a sophisticated edge that keeps each bite interesting. Think of it as the dessert equivalent of salted caramel, but with more depth and character.
Print

Delicious Reasons to Try Salted Honey Pie you’ll love
- Total Time: 1 hours 15 minutes
Description
This slice of salted honey pie showcases the luscious custard filling, caramelized top, and buttery crust. Finished with a touch of sea salt, it offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory. A comforting dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup high-quality honey (wildflower or clover work beautifully)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a baking sheet on the middle rack to preheat as well.
Prepare the crust: Roll out your pie dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges, then place it in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, sugar, cornmeal, salt, vanilla extract, vinegar, and eggs until smooth.
Pour the filling into the chilled pie crust and carefully place the pie on the preheated baking sheet in the oven.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool completely at room temperature. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before serving.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, try using a mix of honey and dark brown sugar.
Don’t skip the vinegar-it balances the sweetness beautifully.
This pie is best served at room temperature, but it can also be chilled.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra honey.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 22g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup high-quality honey (wildflower or clover work beautifully)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Crust
Start by combining flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and transfer to a 9-inch pie pan. Trim excess dough, crimp the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork. Pre-bake at 375°F for 12 minutes until lightly golden.
Creating the Perfect Filling
While your crust cools, whisk together honey, eggs, melted butter, heavy cream, vanilla, and sea salt in a medium bowl. The mixture should be smooth and well-combined. Sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture and whisk until no lumps remain – this step ensures your salted honey pie sets properly without being too runny.
Baking to Perfection
Pour the filling into your pre-baked crust and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. The top should be golden brown with a beautiful glossy finish. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt while the surface is still warm.
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)
Based on 8 servings
- Calories: 285
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 245mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 5g
Healthy Alternatives and Dietary Swaps
For Gluten-Free Options
Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had excellent results with Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur’s gluten-free flour. The texture remains remarkably similar to the traditional version.
Dairy-Free Modifications
Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil (solid, not melted), and replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. The coconut flavor actually complements the honey beautifully, creating an almost tropical twist on the classic salted honey pie.
Reducing Sugar Content
Since honey is naturally sweet, you can reduce the amount to ½ cup if you prefer a less sweet dessert. You can also experiment with raw honey, which tends to have a more complex, less cloying sweetness than processed varieties.
Tips for Best Results
The quality of your honey makes an enormous difference in the final product. Visit local farmers’ markets or specialty stores to find unique honey varieties – each type brings its own character to the pie. Buckwheat honey creates a more robust, earthy flavor, while orange blossom honey adds delicate citrus notes.
Temperature control is crucial when making this dessert. Your eggs should be at room temperature to prevent the filling from curdling when combined with the melted butter. If you forget to take them out early, place them in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes.
Don’t skip the pre-baking step for the crust! A soggy bottom crust will ruin even the most perfectly prepared filling. Use pie weights or dried beans to prevent the crust from puffing up during this initial baking phase.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overbeating the Filling
Once you add the eggs, mix gently to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause the pie to puff up during baking and then collapse as it cools.
Using Too Much Salt
Remember that a little goes a long way with salt in desserts. Start with the recommended amount and taste the filling before baking – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
Overbaking
Watch your salted honey pie carefully during the final minutes of baking. The center should still have a slight wobble when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to set as it cools.
How to Store Leftovers
Store your cooled pie covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually develop and intensify after the first day, making day-two slices even more delicious than fresh ones. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.
When serving refrigerated pie, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to take the chill off. The flavors are more pronounced when the pie isn’t ice-cold.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salted honey pie pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. A dollop of freshly whipped cream provides a lovely contrast to the dense, sweet filling. For something more indulgent, try serving your salted honey pie with vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of additional honey.
For an elegant presentation, garnish each slice with candied nuts, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of bee pollen. This pie also makes an excellent addition to holiday dessert tables, offering something unique alongside traditional pumpkin and apple pies.
Coffee and tea lovers will find that salted honey pie pairs exceptionally well with bold beverages. Try it with a robust dark roast coffee, Earl Grey tea, or even a glass of dessert wine for special occasions.


Conclusion
Making salted honey pie has become one of my favorite ways to surprise and delight guests who think they’ve tried every dessert combination possible. The recipe might seem unconventional, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Each bite delivers comfort and sophistication in equal measure, proving that sometimes the most unexpected flavor combinations create the most memorable experiences.
I hope this salted honey pie recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a dessert that’s both simple in concept and complex in flavor. Whether you’re making this salted honey pie for a special celebration or just because you’re curious about this unique treat, I’m confident you’ll fall in love with every golden, salty-sweet bite.
For more Recipes follow me in Pinterest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make salted honey pie ahead of time for entertaining?
Absolutely! Salted honey pie actually tastes better the day after baking, making it perfect for entertaining. Prepare it up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about on party day. Just remember to let it come closer to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience.
What type of honey works best for this recipe?
While any honey will work, I recommend using a high-quality, mild-flavored honey like clover or wildflower for your first attempt at salted honey pie. These varieties provide sweetness without overwhelming other flavors. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, experiment with stronger honeys like buckwheat or manuka for more complex flavor profiles. Avoid artificial honey or corn syrup blends, as they lack the depth needed for this dessert.
Why did my salted honey pie filling turn out too runny or too thick?
Consistency issues usually stem from ingredient temperatures or measurement errors. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature and that you’ve measured the cornstarch accurately – this ingredient is crucial for proper setting. If your filling seems too thin before baking, whisk in an additional tablespoon of cornstarch. Conversely, if it’s too thick, add an extra tablespoon of cream. The raw filling should coat a spoon but still pour easily into the crust.