Irresistibly Sweet Salted Honey Pie (Easy Southern Favorite)

There’s something quietly magical about a Salted Honey Pie. It doesn’t shout for attention like a chocolate torte or sparkle like a fruit tart. Instead, it wins you over slowly one silky, golden bite at a time. This is the kind of dessert that feels both old-fashioned and modern, rooted in Southern pantry baking yet perfectly suited for today’s love of balanced sweetness and savory contrast.

Honey brings floral depth, butter adds richness, and flaky sea salt sharpens every note. If you love chess pie, buttermilk pie, or anything custardy with a twist, this salted honey pie will feel like coming home just with better lighting and a little edge.

Salted Honey Pie Recipe

This salted honey pie bakes into a smooth, custard-like filling with a caramelized top and a whisper of salt that keeps it from ever tasting cloying.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: ~420 per slice

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup high-quality honey (wildflower or clover)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon white cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and honey until smooth and glossy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to fully emulsify.
4. Whisk in the cornmeal, vinegar, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt until the mixture is silky and uniform.
5. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Gently tap the dish on the counter to release air bubbles.
6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly, similar to a custard.
7. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt.
8. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. The pie will firm up as it cools.

Substitutions & Dietary Swaps

• Butter: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free salted honey pie.
• Honey: Maple syrup works, but the flavor will be deeper and less floral.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free pie crust and ensure cornmeal is certified GF.
• Sugar: Swap granulated sugar for light brown sugar for a more caramel-forward filling.

Chef’s Pro Tips

• Use a mild, floral honey strong buckwheat honey can overpower the pie.
• Room-temperature eggs prevent the butter from seizing.
• Bake on a lower oven rack to ensure the bottom crust cooks through.
• For ultra-clean slices, chill the pie for 30 minutes before cutting.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Salted honey pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Bake it up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator.

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days, tightly wrapped.
• Freezer: Freeze whole or sliced for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm slices at 300°F for 10 minutes, or enjoy chilled.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Pie too runny: It needs more cooling time custard pies set as they cool.
• Overbrowned crust: Shield edges with foil halfway through baking.
• Grainy texture: Overbaking can cause the eggs to curdle.

Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions

This salted honey pie pairs beautifully with:

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream
• Crème fraîche or mascarpone
• Fresh berries

Salted Honey Pie

This salted honey pie is rich, buttery, and custardy with a caramel-kissed top and a finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s a simple Southern-style dessert that tastes like pure comfort—sweet, balanced, and totally irresistible.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pie Crust

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

Salted Honey Pie Filling

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup honey high-quality (wildflower or clover)
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 tbsp white cornmeal
• 1 tbsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• flaky sea salt for finishing

Equipment

• 9-inch Pie Dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Wire Rack

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Fit the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and honey until smooth and glossy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition so the mixture emulsifies and looks silky.
4. Whisk in the cornmeal, vinegar, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt until fully combined.
5. Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Tap the pie dish gently on the counter to pop any air bubbles.
6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the center is just set and still slightly jiggly like custard.
7. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

For the best salted honey pie flavor, choose a mild floral honey (like clover or wildflower). Let the pie cool completely before slicing—custard pies set as they cool. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil halfway through baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is salted honey pie the same as chess pie?

They’re closely related. Salted honey pie is essentially a honey-based chess pie with a more pronounced sweet-salty balance.

Can I use raw honey?

Yes, raw honey works well and adds subtle floral notes.

Does this pie need refrigeration?

Yes. Because it’s custard-based, refrigeration is recommended.

Can I make this without cornmeal?

Cornmeal adds classic texture, but you can substitute flour in a pinch.

What salt is best for topping?

Flaky sea salt like Maldon provides the best texture and visual contrast.

Conclusion

This Salted Honey Pie proves that simplicity can be luxurious. With pantry staples, a single bowl, and minimal effort, you get a dessert that feels both nostalgic and refined. Whether you’re baking for a holiday table or a quiet weekend treat, this pie delivers comfort, elegance, and just enough salt to keep everyone coming back for another slice.

If you loved this recipe, explore more Southern-inspired desserts and share this salted honey pie with someone who appreciates the beauty of understated sweetness.

External Resource: Learn more about honey varieties and flavor profiles from the USDA.