Salted Honey Pie: A Golden, Sweet-Salty Southern Classic

Few desserts manage to feel both nostalgic and modern at the same time quite like Salted Honey Pie. With its silky custard filling, deep honey flavor, flaky crust, and delicate sprinkle of sea salt, this Southern-inspired dessert strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. It’s elegant without being fussy, comforting without being heavy, and simple yet unforgettable.

Salted honey pie has quietly become a favorite among bakers who appreciate desserts that rely on quality ingredients rather than excess sugar or decoration. Honey brings complexity—floral, warm, and slightly earthy—while salt sharpens every note, making each bite richer and more satisfying.

This pie isn’t about shock value. It’s about restraint, tradition, and flavor harmony.

What Is Salted Honey Pie?

At its core, salted honey pie is a custard-based pie where honey replaces most or all of the refined sugar. The filling is typically made with butter, eggs, cream, and a touch of vinegar or lemon juice to balance sweetness. Once baked, the custard sets into a smooth, sliceable texture with a glossy golden surface.

A light finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds contrast, transforming a simple honey custard into a truly memorable dessert.

Why Salted Honey Pie Works So Well

Honey has depth that sugar simply can’t match. Depending on the variety, honey can taste floral, citrusy, herbal, or even slightly smoky. When baked into a custard:

• The sweetness becomes mellow and rounded
• The texture turns luxuriously smooth
• The aroma deepens as it caramelizes gently in the oven

Salt enhances all of this, preventing the pie from becoming cloying and adding sophistication.

Ingredients for Salted Honey Pie

For the Crust

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

For the Honey Filling

• ¾ cup high-quality honey
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

For Finishing

• Flaky sea salt (to taste)

How to Make Salted Honey Pie (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a baking sheet on the middle rack to preheat—this helps the pie bake evenly from the bottom.
2. Blind Prep the Crust
   Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
3. Melt Butter and Honey
   In a saucepan over low heat, gently melt the butter with the honey, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Mix the Filling
   Whisk in the sugar, heavy cream, eggs, vinegar, vanilla extract, and sea salt until fully combined and silky.
5. Fill the Crust
   Pour the honey custard filling into the chilled pie crust. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
6. Bake the Pie
   Carefully place the pie onto the preheated baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the center is just set with a slight wobble.
7. Cool Completely
   Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. The custard will continue to set as it cools.
8. Finish with Salt
   Just before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt lightly over the surface.

Tips for the Perfect Honey Pie

• Use good honey: This is the star ingredient. Floral or wildflower honey works beautifully.
• Don’t overbake: The center should jiggle slightly when done.
• Cool fully before slicing: Cutting too early can cause the filling to collapse.
• Salt last: Add flaky salt right before serving for maximum contrast.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Lavender Honey Pie – Add a pinch of dried culinary lavender
• Citrus Honey Pie – Zest of lemon or orange brightens the filling
• Brown Butter Honey Pie – Brown the butter before mixing for nutty depth
• Spiced Honey Pie – A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth

Serving Suggestions

Salted honey pie is elegant enough to stand alone, but you can elevate it with:

• Fresh whipped cream
• A drizzle of warm honey
• Crème fraîche for tang
• Fresh berries for contrast

It pairs wonderfully with coffee, black tea, or even a light dessert wine.

Cultural Notes: Honey in Southern Baking

Honey has long been used in Southern kitchens, especially before refined sugar became widely available. This pie reflects that heritage—simple pantry ingredients transformed into something luxurious. The modern salted finish gives it a contemporary edge while honoring tradition.

Why This Pie Is Perfect for Any Season

• Fall & Winter: Warm, comforting, rich
• Spring: Floral honey flavors shine
• Summer: Serve chilled for a refreshing custard dessert

It’s versatile, timeless, and always impressive.

Salted Honey Pie

A silky Southern-style custard pie made with golden honey, buttery crust, and finished with flaky sea salt.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 320

Ingredients

  

Crust

• 1 unbaked pie crust 9-inch

Filling

• 0.75 cup honey high quality
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs large
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp sea salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Pie dish
• Saucepan
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a baking sheet on the middle rack.
2. Fit pie crust into dish, crimp edges, and chill while preparing filling.
3. Melt butter and honey together over low heat until smooth. Cool slightly.
4. Whisk in sugar, cream, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
5. Pour filling into prepared crust.
6. Bake 40–45 minutes until center is just set with a slight jiggle.
7. Cool completely before slicing. Finish with flaky sea salt.

Notes

Use high-quality honey for best flavor. Do not overbake.