Salted Honey Pie: A Buttery, Golden Dessert with Sweet and Salty Perfection

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salted honey pie is an elegant yet comforting dessert that strikes the perfect balance between rich sweetness and a touch of savory. Imagine a smooth, custard-like filling infused with golden honey, nestled in a flaky buttery crust, and topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s warm, silky, and irresistibly indulgent — a true bakery-worthy treat that’s surprisingly simple to make. I first baked this for a fall dinner, and everyone was mesmerized by its creamy texture and caramelized flavor. The honey gives it natural sweetness, while the salt adds sophistication and depth. Whether for a holiday table, weekend baking project, or cozy evening dessert, this pie is pure golden bliss in every bite.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pie crust — Homemade or store-bought, baked until golden and crisp.

Butter — Adds richness and helps create a smooth, custard-like filling.

Honey — The star ingredient; use high-quality honey for best flavor.

Brown sugar — Adds depth and a hint of caramel sweetness.

Cornmeal — Gives the filling body and a slightly grainy texture reminiscent of classic Southern pies.

Salt — Balances the sweetness and highlights the honey’s natural notes.

Eggs — Provide structure and create that creamy custard consistency.

Heavy cream — Adds silkiness and richness to the filling.

Vanilla extract — Enhances the flavor and warmth of the pie.

Flaky sea salt — Sprinkled on top for a beautiful, savory contrast.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish, crimp the edges, and chill while preparing the filling.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it turns golden and fragrant (about 4 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in honey, brown sugar, cornmeal, salt, and vanilla until smooth. Let cool slightly.

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and cream until well blended. Slowly add the warm honey mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. The pie will continue to firm up as it cools.

Cool completely at room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours before slicing. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before serving.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
• large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
• Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
• Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
• knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8. Preparation takes 15 minutes, baking 45 minutes, and chilling about 2 hours. Total time: approximately 3 hours.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature. For a warm treat, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds. You can also freeze the baked pie (without the salt topping) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Brown Butter Honey Pie — Brown the butter longer for nutty, toffee-like flavor.

Lavender Honey Pie — Infuse the cream with dried lavender for a floral twist.

Spiced Honey Pie — Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the filling.

Maple Honey Pie — Replace half of the honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.

Nutty Crust — Add crushed pecans or almonds to the crust for texture.

Citrus Touch — Stir in a bit of lemon or orange zest for brightness.

Chocolate Swirl — Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled pie for richness.

Mini Honey Pies — Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.

Vegan Version — Use plant-based butter, coconut cream, and flax eggs as substitutes.

Bourbon Twist — Add a tablespoon of bourbon for a warm, caramel undertone.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, it works perfectly and saves time — just pre-bake it before adding the filling.

What kind of honey works best?

Mild, high-quality honey like clover, wildflower, or orange blossom gives the best flavor.

Do I need to blind bake the crust?

Yes, pre-baking ensures it stays crisp under the custard filling.

Why is my pie runny?

It may have been underbaked; the center should only jiggle slightly when done.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely — it’s even better after chilling overnight.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the filling will be slightly less rich and creamy.

How do I get a smooth filling?

Whisk constantly and add the honey mixture slowly to avoid curdling the eggs.

What’s the best way to slice the pie cleanly?

Chill thoroughly and use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices.

Can I serve this warm?

Yes, but allow it to cool at least 30 minutes first so it sets properly.

Is this pie very sweet?

It’s sweet but balanced — the sea salt and cream keep it from being overly sugary.

Conclusion

Salted honey pie is a dessert that feels both nostalgic and refined — buttery, golden, and lusciously smooth with just the right touch of salt. The silky honey filling melts in your mouth while the flaky crust adds the perfect contrast. Ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you crave something indulgent, this pie is as impressive as it is comforting. Once you try it, it’ll become a signature dessert in your kitchen — simple, elegant, and irresistibly sweet-salty perfection.

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