The rich aroma wafting through my kitchen is a sweet promise of comfort and indulgence. There's something utterly captivating about the combination of honey and a hint of salt-it’s like catching the perfect wave of flavor that washes over you with every bite. This is where my culinary journey led me to the exquisite Salted Honey Pie, a Southern classic that has found its way into my heart and onto my dessert table. Easy to prepare yet elegant enough to impress, this pie features a decadent honey custard nestled in a flaky crust, perfectly crowned with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a delightful afternoon snack, this pie presents a deliciously unique twist that balances sweetness with a savory surprise. Join me in creating this gorgeous dessert that's sure to wow your guests or simply elevate your quiet evening at home!
Why will you love Burnt Honey Pie?
Decadent, rich flavor: The delightful interplay of sweet honey and flaky sea salt creates a unique taste sensation that is both indulgent and comforting.
Simplicity in preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, this pie can be whipped up by bakers of all skill levels.
Elegant presentation: The luxurious custard filling inside a golden, flaky crust makes it a showstopper at any gathering.
Versatile pairing: Serve it with freshly brewed coffee or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the flavor.
Crowd-pleaser: With its sweet-salty balance, this pie is perfect for impressing guests and satisfying sweet cravings alike. Celebrate your love for homemade desserts with this delightful treat!
Burnt Honey Pie Ingredients
• Dive into the rich flavors of Burnt Honey Pie with these essentials.
For the Crust
- 1 9-inch Pie Crust - Forms the delicious base; you can make it from scratch or use a store-bought version for convenience.
For the Filling
- ¾ cup Granulated Sugar - Sweetens the custard filling; adjust this amount if you prefer a less sweet pie.
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter - Adds richness and flavor; remember to melt and cool it before mixing.
- ¼ cup Cornmeal (fine grind) - Offers structure and texture without any grittiness; ensure a fine grind for a smoother result.
- ¼ teaspoon Salt - Enhances the sweet flavors and balances the honey’s richness.
- 1 tablespoon White Vinegar or Lemon Juice - Provides brightness; lemon juice gives a fresher touch.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract - Infuses warm notes into the custard, rounding out the flavor profile.
- ½ cup Honey - The star ingredient that creates that beautiful sweet-salty harmony; use the best quality honey for maximum taste.
- 3 large Eggs - Ensures a rich, custardy filling; they should be at room temperature for easy blending.
- ½ cup Heavy Cream - Gives the filling a silky smooth texture; coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free alternative.
- Flaky Sea Salt (for topping) - The perfect finishing touch to elevate the flavor in every bite.
How to Make Burnt Honey Pie
Prepare the Crust: If you're going homemade, roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Chill for 15 minutes, then line with foil, fill with pie weights, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, cornmeal, salt, vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla extract, and honey until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Fold in the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Combine and Bake: Pour the luscious filling into your pre-baked crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until the center is mostly set but still jiggles slightly. If you notice the crust browning too much, loosely cover the edges with foil halfway through baking.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. Just before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the flavors.
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Burnt Honey Pies are perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious dessert without last-minute stress! You can prepare the pie crust up to 24 hours in advance; just keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out. The filling can also be mixed and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days-just give it a good whisk before pouring it into the crust. When you're ready to bake, pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and follow the baking instructions, ensuring to keep an eye on the crust to prevent over-browning. Enjoy the time-saving benefits and still serve a wonderfully decadent Burnt Honey Pie that's just as delightful as if made fresh!
What to Serve with Burnt Honey Pie?
There’s something truly magical about pairing sweet desserts with complementary flavors to create a well-rounded meal experience.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense filling, enhancing the pie’s sweetness.
Coffee: A robust cup of coffee is perfect for balancing the honey’s richness, making each bite of pie absolutely divine.
Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of tart berries like raspberries or blueberries to introduce a refreshing burst of flavor that contrasts the sweetness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream melting over the warm pie creates a blissful texture combination, elevating dessert to indulgence.
Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pecans or almonds adds a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy custard.
Chamomile Tea: For a soothing complement, serve with a warm cup of chamomile tea, which provides a gentle floral note that harmonizes wonderfully.
Variations & Substitutions for Burnt Honey Pie
Explore delightful ways to make this already scrumptious pie even more exciting and tailored to your taste!
- Maple Twist: Substitute honey with maple syrup for an earthy flavor that offers a unique sweetness. It pairs beautifully with the buttery crust.
- Citrus Zing: Replace vinegar with lemon or orange juice to infuse a bright, zesty note into the filling, lifting its overall flavor profile.
- Nutty Accents: Add a tablespoon of almond or hazelnut extract for a warm, nutty undertone that complements the custard wonderfully.
- Spiced Surprise: Incorporate ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for a cozy, spiced version that's perfect for chilly evenings.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a rich, dairy-free alternative that maintains the pie’s indulgent creaminess.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for an added layer of texture and flavor contrast against the smooth custard.
- Chocolate Bliss: Drizzle melted chocolate over the rested pie before serving for a decadent twist that appeals to chocolate lovers.
- Fruity Layers: Consider layering fresh fruits like pears or apples at the bottom of the crust for a refreshing fruit-filled surprise beneath the custard.
Expert Tips for Burnt Honey Pie
- Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling and better incorporation into the mixture.
- Blind Baking: Always blind bake your crust to prevent it from becoming soggy, ensuring a flaky texture throughout.
- Cooling Essentials: Let the pie cool completely before slicing; this helps maintain its structure and prevents the filling from spilling out.
- High-Quality Honey: Choosing a premium honey will enhance the flavor of your Burnt Honey Pie significantly, so don’t skimp on this ingredient!
- Crust Protection: If the crust is browning too quickly during baking, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning while the filling sets.
Storage Tips for Burnt Honey Pie
- Room Temperature: The pie can be left out for a few hours after cooling but should be stored in the fridge for long-term freshness.
- Fridge: Store leftover Burnt Honey Pie tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain its flavor and texture.
- Freezer: Freeze the pie by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil; it can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
- Reheating: If desired, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its creamy texture before enjoying.
Burnt Honey Pie Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right honey for this pie?
Absolutely! The quality of honey is crucial for the flavor of your Burnt Honey Pie. Look for raw or organic honey for the best taste-high-quality honey will have a rich, floral note that enhances the pie’s sweetness and complexity. Avoid overly processed varieties as they often have less flavor.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Very good question! After baking and cooling your Burnt Honey Pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Can I freeze Burnt Honey Pie? If so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Burnt Honey Pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the pie overnight in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.
What should I do if my pie crust is too soggy?
Ah, the dreaded soggy crust! To prevent this in future bakes, make sure you blind bake your crust thoroughly before adding the filling. If you do end up with a soggy crust, you can try returning it to the oven for a few minutes to dry it out-but be cautious, as over-baking may lead to a tough crust.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! If you have dietary restrictions, consider substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version of the Burnt Honey Pie. Also, ensure that the pie crust you use suits your dietary needs, especially if you’re avoiding gluten or certain allergens. Always check the labels of pre-made ingredients to ensure they align with your dietary preferences!
Boldly Decadent Burnt Honey Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Crust: Roll out the dough into a 9-inch pie plate, chill for 15 minutes, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Remove weights and bake until golden.
- Make the Filling: Whisk together melted butter, sugar, cornmeal, salt, vinegar or lemon juice, vanilla extract, and honey. Add eggs one at a time, then fold in heavy cream.
- Combine and Bake: Pour filling into pre-baked crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes until set but jiggles slightly. Cover edges with foil if browning too much.
- Cool and Serve: Let pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. Sprinkle sea salt on top before serving.
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