If you’ve never tried Salted Honey Pie, you’re in for a vintage-inspired dessert that’s as rich and smooth as it is surprising. This golden, custardy pie combines the deep sweetness of honey with a subtle touch of salt, creating a luxurious balance of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re a fan of old-fashioned pies like chess pie, or just looking for a new flavor to add to your baking repertoire, this recipe brings a modern twist to a classic.

It’s a dessert that feels both rustic and elegant—perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or a cozy afternoon treat. Much like syrup pie recipes of the past, Salted Honey Pie is easy to make with pantry staples and delivers big, comforting flavor with minimal effort.

Save

What Is Salted Honey Pie?

Salted Honey Pie is a custard-based dessert baked in a flaky pastry shell. It features eggs, butter, cream, sugar, and plenty of honey. The twist? A generous pinch of flaky sea salt on top, which cuts through the richness and creates an unforgettable contrast. Think of it as a cousin to chess pie—a Southern favorite—but with the floral undertones and smooth finish of honey.

In some kitchens, it’s been affectionately dubbed bee pie for its honeyed base. Others call it burnt honey pie when the honey is cooked a little longer to deepen the flavor. No matter what you call it, one thing is clear: this dessert has serious staying power.

Smooth, Buttery, and Irresistibly Unique

What makes this pie so appealing is its simplicity. It’s made from a handful of ingredients but delivers layers of flavor that surprise and delight. The custard is creamy and sweet with hints of vanilla and butter, while the salt adds complexity and keeps the sweetness in check. When baked just right, the filling is silky and sliceable, holding together beautifully with each forkful.

Salted Honey Pie is a great choice if you’re tired of overly sweet desserts or if you’re looking to explore new pie flavours. It bridges the gap between old-fashioned comfort and modern taste trends.

Simple Pantry Staples That Create Complex Flavor

You probably already have everything you need to make this pie. Here’s the full ingredient list:

Ingredients:

• 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus extra flaky sea salt for topping)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup honey (use a good-quality mild honey)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

This combination creates a filling that’s sweet, rich, and custardy with just the right balance of texture and flavor.

What You Need to Bake the Perfect Honey Chess Pie

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch pie plate
• Baking sheet (to catch drips)
• Aluminum foil or pie shield (to prevent crust from over-browning)
• Cooling rack

This pie doesn’t require any fancy equipment—just a little care and attention.

From Mixing to Baking – A Foolproof Method

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges and chill while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, cornmeal, salt, vinegar, and vanilla until well combined.

Step 3: Add in the honey, eggs, and cream. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and custardy.

Step 4: Pour the filling into the chilled crust. Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any spills.

Step 5: Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly wobbly. The top should be golden and slightly puffed.

Step 6: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

This cooling time helps the pie set fully and enhances the flavor.

Save

Try Burnt Honey, Add Tahini, or Twist It with Citrus

Want to take your pie game to the next level? Here are some flavor variations:

• Use browned or “burnt” honey for a deep, caramel-like taste
• Add 1–2 tablespoons of tahini for a nutty, savory note
• Mix in the zest of a lemon or orange for brightness
• Swap part of the cream with buttermilk for tang
• Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of extra honey

These twists are perfect if you’re exploring modern versions of vintage pies like imaginary pie or want to give your dessert a signature spin.

How to Present and Pair This Pie for Any Occasion

Salted Honey Pie is beautiful on its own, but the right garnish or pairing can make it shine even more.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve chilled or at room temperature
• Pair with whipped cream, crème fraîche, or vanilla yogurt
• Add a few berries or poached pears on the side
• Serve with herbal tea or a hot spiced beverage
• Use cookie cutters to create decorative pastry shapes on top

Its elegant simplicity also makes it perfect for holiday tables, afternoon teas, or gifting.

Avoiding Common Mistakes With Custard-Style Pies

Custard pies can be delicate, but these tips will keep you on track:

• Don’t overbake: The center should be just set but still jiggly
• Use room temperature eggs and cream for smooth blending
• Don’t skip the cornmeal—it adds texture and prevents sogginess
• Watch the crust edges—cover them halfway through baking
• Let it cool fully before slicing for best texture

Patience is key to achieving the perfect set and a silky-smooth bite.

Keeping Your Pie Fresh and Delicious

This pie stores well and can even be made in advance.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days, covered with foil or plastic wrap
• Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture
• Do not freeze—the custard may separate and lose its consistency

If you’re making it for a party, feel free to bake it the day before. The flavor actually improves as it rests.

Calories, Sugar Content, and Ingredient Swaps

This pie is indulgent, but it can be lightened up with a few smart swaps.

Estimated Nutrition (per slice, 1/8 pie):

Calories: ~320
Fat: ~17g
Carbohydrates: ~38g
Sugar: ~30g
Protein: ~3g
Fiber: ~0.5g

Healthier Swaps:

• Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream
• Reduce sugar to 1/2 cup or use a natural sweetener
• Use a gluten-free crust if needed
• Swap butter for ghee or plant-based margarine

Despite being rich, this pie offers a more wholesome feel than many traditional desserts.

Great for Vintage Dessert Lovers and Adventurous Bakers

This pie will appeal to:

• Fans of honey chess pie and classic Southern desserts
• Adventurous bakers looking for new flavor combinations
• People who enjoy savory-sweet contrasts
• Anyone who loves a dessert with depth and subtlety
• Holiday hosts seeking something elegant and unexpected

It’s also a beautiful way to use up extra honey or show off locally sourced ingredients.

Save

Your Top Queries About Bee Pie, Owl Pie, and More

Is Salted Honey Pie the same as chess pie?
It’s very similar in texture but uses honey instead of corn syrup and has a stronger flavor contrast thanks to the salt.

What is “bee pie”?
A playful name for honey-based pies like this one.

Can I use other types of honey?
Yes, but stick to lighter, mild honeys for the best balance. Strong dark honeys may overpower the custard.

Can I use a pre-baked crust?
Yes, but reduce the oven temperature slightly and keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.

What is “imaginary pie”?
An old-fashioned term for simple custard pies that seem rich but use very few ingredients—like this one.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Spring, or Afternoon Tea

Salted Honey Pie is versatile enough for many occasions:

• Thanksgiving dessert alternative to pumpkin pie
• Spring picnics or garden parties
• Bridal or baby showers
• Afternoon tea with shortbread and lemon curd
• Anytime you’re craving something sweet and different

It’s a showstopper without trying too hard—just slice and serve.

Why Salted Honey Pie Deserves a Spot in Your Pie Rotation

With its golden hue, creamy texture, and unforgettable sweet-salty flavor profile, Salted Honey Pie is a standout among vintage pies. It’s simple to make, easy to adapt, and undeniably delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe gives you big results with very little stress.

It’s the perfect dessert to keep in your back pocket—ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself. Rich, elegant, and just a little bit surprising, it’s a pie you’ll come back to again and again.

Loved This Vintage Pie? Share, Save, and Subscribe for More Pie Flavours!

If you made this Salted Honey Pie, let us know how it turned out! Share your creations on social media, save the recipe for your next holiday meal, and subscribe for more unique takes on pie flavours from traditional to imaginative.

Print