Salted Whiskey Honey Pie You’ll Crave

If you love desserts that combine an irresistible balance of sweet, salty, and a little spirited kick, then the Salted Whiskey Honey Pie You’ll Crave is about to become your new favorite. This delightful single-crust pie blends the luscious richness of honey with the warming depth of whiskey, all finished with a touch of coarse sea salt that elevates every bite. It’s deceptively simple to make but offers layers of flavor and texture that will have you reaching for seconds, whether enjoyed plain, with fresh fruit, or topped with a cloud of whipped cream.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Salted Whiskey Honey Pie You’ll Crave lies in its few, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the buttery pie crust that gives crunch and structure to the silky custard filling infused with honey’s natural sweetness and a splash of whiskey that adds a subtle warmth and complexity.

• Pie crust: Use homemade or store-bought, either works perfectly and provides a flaky base.
• Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons): Melted and cooled for a rich, smooth custard texture; unsalted lets you control the salt precisely.
• Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Balances the honey’s deep sweetness while helping to set the filling.
• All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Adds just enough structure to thicken the custard gently.
• Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, ensuring the pie isn’t overly sweet.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends warmth and a subtle floral note that complements honey beautifully.
• Honey (3/4 cup): The star sweetener that’s naturally rich, floral, and deeply comforting.
• Large eggs (4, divided): Provide body and help the filling set perfectly; one is used for an egg wash to achieve a gorgeous crust.
• Heavy whipping cream (1/3 cup): Creates a luxurious creaminess; you can substitute with sour cream or full-fat yogurt if needed.
• Whiskey (2 tablespoons): Adds that signature spirited kick without overpowering the dessert.
• Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances sweet and rich flavors with a slight tang, ensuring each bite sings.
• Coarse sea salt (1-2 teaspoons, optional): Sprinkled on top at the end for a crunchy salty finish that’s pure magic.

How to Make Salted Whiskey Honey Pie You’ll Crave

Step 1: Prep Your Pie Crust

Roll out your pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie plate gently, trimming any excess and crimping the edges to your liking. Placing it in the freezer while you preheat the oven to 400 F helps maintain that delicate flakiness by keeping the butter cold.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

Line the chilled crust with parchment or foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans to prevent shrinking. Bake for 10-15 minutes just until the crust sets. This step ensures a crisp base that won’t get soggy once the custard filling goes in.

Step 3: Egg Wash and Further Baking

Remove the weights carefully, prick any bubbles, and brush the crust with a beaten egg wash. Return it to the oven for another 5-8 minutes until a pale golden hue appears. This adds extra barrier protection and a beautiful shine.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

While the crust cools slightly, whisk together melted butter, sugar, flour, kosher salt, and vanilla until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each, then fold in the honey for sweetness and creaminess. Finally, stir in the heavy cream, whiskey, and apple cider vinegar gently to meld flavors without over-mixing.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Pour your silky custard mixture into the warm crust and bake at a reduced 350 F for 35-40 minutes. The filling will set with a slight jiggle in the center, just perfect. If the edges brown too fast, tent them with foil to prevent burning while the custard finishes baking.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before sprinkling with coarse sea salt if desired. This finishing touch contrasts with the honey’s sweetness perfectly, making the Salted Whiskey Honey Pie You’ll Crave absolutely unforgettable.

How to Serve Salted Whiskey Honey Pie You’ll Crave

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of coarse sea salt is my personal favorite, but why stop there? Try adding a spoonful of lightly whipped cream, a few fresh berries, or even delicate edible flowers for a pop of color and refined elegance. These accents enhance both the presentation and flavor profile of the pie wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This pie is practically a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with a crisp apple salad or a light citrus sorbet creates a delightful balance. The freshness of the sides offers a bright counterpoint to the pie’s rich custard and honeyed warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the Salted Whiskey Honey Pie You’ll Crave in elegant glass ramekins layered with toasted nuts or drizzled honey for a rustic yet chic look. You can also slice and plate it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of extra whiskey sauce for an adult dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pie can be loosely covered and kept at room temperature overnight — perfect if you want it slightly warm the next day. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors may deepen nicely with a day or two of resting!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this pie! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to a month and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. This way, you always have a delicious treat ready whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy the pie warm, gently reheat slices in a low oven (around 300 F) for 10-15 minutes or until just warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, which can make the crust soggy and the filling rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use a gluten-free pie crust for this recipe?

Absolutely! The filling is naturally gluten-free, so feel free to substitute a gluten-free pie crust. Just be sure to use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend if adapting the flour in the filling.

What kind of whiskey works best in the pie?

Choose a whiskey you enjoy sipping on its own, but there’s no need for anything too fancy. A smooth bourbon or a mellow Irish whiskey will add lovely flavor notes without overpowering the honey’s natural sweetness.

Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, lemon juice is a great alternative. It balances the richness and brightens the custard, but avoid stronger vinegars like white vinegar, which can be too harsh.

Can I make the pie crust from scratch?

Definitely! Homemade pie crusts add a wonderful personal touch, but store-bought crusts are perfect for convenience. Either way, the filling remains the star and will impress every time.

How salty should the finishing salt be?

Use an extra coarse finishing salt for the best contrast and crunch. Kosher salt is too fine for the topping, and table salt won’t provide the right texture or flavor bursts.

Final Thoughts

The Salted Whiskey Honey Pie You’ll Crave is one of those rare desserts that feels both comforting and sophisticated, all while being surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply treating yourself, this pie promises a memorable flavor adventure with every forkful. So go ahead, give it a try — I guarantee you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!

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