When it comes to classic desserts, few things capture simple elegance like a Simple Honey Pie. Smooth, golden, and infused with the floral sweetness of pure honey, this pie delivers comforting flavor with minimal effort. Its silky texture and buttery crust make it a perfect choice for family dinners, festive gatherings, or whenever you crave something sweet yet wholesome.
Unlike sugar-heavy pies, this recipe uses honey as the star ingredient, offering natural sweetness, depth, and warmth that refined sugar simply can’t match.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3–4 tablespoons cold water
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (250g) pure honey (wildflower or clover preferred)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: About 3 hours 10 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, mixing just until dough holds together.
- Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll and Prebake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll dough into a 9-inch pie dish, trim edges, and prick the base with a fork.
- Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights.
- Bake for 10 minutes, remove weights, and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, honey, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Stir in cornmeal, vinegar, vanilla, and salt until fully combined.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
- Pour filling into the prebaked crust.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow pie to cool completely for 2 hours before slicing.
- Serve as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra honey.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair slices with fresh berries for a balance of tart and sweet.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rich, creamy contrast.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
- Serve chilled for a denser texture or slightly warm for a softer filling.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Protein | 4 grams |
| Total Fat | 20 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 11 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 43 grams |
| Sugars | 30 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 140 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Honey provides natural antioxidants and replaces refined sugar.
- Cornmeal adds subtle texture and helps the filling set smoothly.
- Butter and eggs contribute richness and a creamy custard base.
- Can be made gluten-free with a suitable flour blend for the crust.
Tips for Perfect Honey Pie
- Use high-quality honey — the flavor will shine through.
- Don’t overbake; the filling continues to set as it cools.
- Chill before slicing for neat, picture-perfect servings.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations to Try
- Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
- Stir in crushed pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
- Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Make mini honey pies for parties or individual servings.
This Simple Honey Pie is a dessert that celebrates natural sweetness and timeless comfort. With its smooth, custard-like filling and buttery crust, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. Whether enjoyed warm, chilled, or with a touch of whipped cream, every bite is pure golden perfection.
Bring a taste of rustic charm to your dessert table — and let the natural beauty of honey shine through.