Name: Salted Maple Pie: A Cozy Dessert for Autumn Gatherings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 320 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Opt for European-style for best texture.); 1 batch All-Butter Pie Dough (Can use store-bought crust.); 1 cup Grade B Maple Syrup (Can substitute with Grade A for sweetness.); 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (Consider dark brown sugar for a more robust flavor.); 1/4 cup Fine Yellow Cornmeal (Cornstarch works as an alternative.); 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before serving.); 3 large Eggs (Ensure they are at room temperature.); 1 cup Heavy Cream (Substitute with whole milk if necessary.); 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (Homemade or vanilla paste can substitute.); 1 large Beaten Egg (For brushing the crust edges.)

As I whipped up the ingredients for my Salted Maple Pie, a delightful thought struck me: there’s something magical about the way maple syrup transforms a simple dessert into an autumn masterpiece. This pie, with its creamy, custard-like filling balanced perfectly by a touch of flaky sea salt, has become my go-to for cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations. Not only is it a breeze to prepare, but it also allows for fun variations to match your pantry staples. Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging in a personal treat, this dish offers that warm, comforting embrace we all seek in homemade desserts. Curious to see how you can create this delightful pie in your kitchen? Let’s dive in!

Why is Salted Maple Pie a Must-Make?

Comforting, cozy flavors make this pie perfect for autumn gatherings. Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients, you can whip it up in no time! Versatile Variations: Customize with nuts or switch maple syrup for honey. Crowd-Pleaser: This delightful dessert is sure to impress family and friends, just like my popular Apple Cider Whoopie pie! Irresistibly Gooey: The rich filling and flaky crust create a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re serving it warm or cold, every bite captures the spirit of the season!

Salted Maple Pie Ingredients

For the Crust
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and flakiness to the crust; opt for European-style for the best texture.
• All-Butter Pie Dough – The key base for the pie; can use a store-bought crust in a pinch.

For the Filling
• Grade B Maple Syrup – Imparts deep maple flavor; can substitute with Grade A in a pinch for sweetness.
• Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness with a hint of caramel; consider dark brown sugar for a more robust flavor.
• Fine Yellow Cornmeal – Contributes essential texture to the filling; use cornstarch as an alternative for smoothness.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances all flavors; sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for an added crunchy finish.
• Eggs – Provides structure to the filling; ensure they are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
• Heavy Cream – Adds a luscious richness; substitute with whole milk if cream is unavailable.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Brings depth to the flavors; homemade or vanilla paste can be good substitutes.

For the Topping
• Beaten Egg – Used for brushing the crust edges to achieve a rich, golden hue.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Maple Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the Salted Maple Pie to achieve that lovely balance of flaky crust and gooey filling. As the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and prepare your pie crust to ensure a seamless transition to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Roll out your all-butter pie dough and carefully place it into a pie dish. Blind bake the crust for about 15–20 minutes or until it is set and starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking. This crucial step ensures that the crust remains flaky and doesn’t become soggy once the filling is added.

Step 3: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine melted unsalted butter and Grade B maple syrup, whisking until well mixed. Next, add in the light brown sugar, fine yellow cornmeal, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth, setting the stage for the rich flavors of your Salted Maple Pie filling.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, heavy cream, and pure vanilla extract until completely blended. This mixture adds richness and depth to your filling. Gradually incorporate it into the maple mixture, stirring gently until uniform. This ensures that each slice of pie is creamy and delightful.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Once the crust is ready, place it on a baking sheet for easy maneuvering. Brush the edges with a beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden hue as it bakes. Carefully pour the prepared filling into the blind-baked crust, ensuring it fills evenly to create that luscious texture in your Salted Maple Pie.

Step 6: Bake the Pie
Now, place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges puff up and the center jiggles slightly. This visual cue is key to achieving that gooey filling while ensuring the crust stays perfectly crisp.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
After baking, allow the Salted Maple Pie to cool on a wire rack for 4 to 6 hours. This cooling time is essential for the filling to set properly. Once cooled, sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving, adding an irresistible crunch that perfectly complements the sweet maple filling.

Expert Tips for Salted Maple Pie

Cooling is Crucial: Allow the pie to cool completely for 4 to 6 hours. This ensures the filling sets properly for a perfect slice.
Avoid Oily Filling: Ensure the melted butter and maple syrup are combined thoroughly before adding the eggs, which helps prevent an oily texture.
Blind Baking Matters: Proper blind baking of the crust keeps it from getting soggy. Aim for a golden hue before filling it with the custard.
Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps achieve a smoother filling. Cold eggs can make it harder to mix evenly.
Trust Your Senses: Look for puffed edges and a slight jiggle in the center when baking. These indicators mean your Salted Maple Pie is just right!

What to Serve with Salted Maple Pie

Experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures with delightful additions to elevate your cozy dessert.

Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh, airy whipped cream adds a light counterpoint to the rich, gooey filling and enhances the overall experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the warm pie, offering a delightful contrast and a comforting nostalgia that warms the heart.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over your slice adds an extra layer of sweetness and a sticky, indulgent texture that pairs beautifully with the pie.
Candied Pecans: The crunch and nuttiness of candied pecans provide a delightful contrast to the pie’s smooth filling, creating a satisfying texture combination with every bite.
Fresh Berries: Serve alongside vibrant raspberries or blueberries for a burst of freshness that brightens the flavors and livens up each slice.
Chai Latte: Enjoy slices with a warm chai latte. The spices in the tea complement the warm flavors of maple, creating an inviting pairing for any autumn gathering.

Let these ideas inspire you to create a memorable dining experience that highlights the deliciousness of the salted maple pie!

Salted Maple Pie Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to make this delightful salted maple pie your own and explore various ways to tailor it to your taste buds!

Honey Swap: Replace maple syrup with honey for a unique sweetness that adds floral notes.
Gluten-Free Crust: Use almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend for those needing a gluten-free option. This twist keeps the pie deliciously satisfying.
Nutty Crunch: Top with crushed pecans or walnuts for extra texture and a delightful crunch that complements the sweet filling.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall.
Creamy Variants: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative that brings a tropical essence to your pie.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top just before serving, enhancing the sweetness with a rich chocolate layer.
Fruity Layer: Layer thinly sliced apples or pears on the bottom of the crust before pouring in the filling for a fruity twist reminiscent of classic tarte tatin.

You might also find inspiration for other delightful desserts like my Rich Maple Pumpkin Coffee Syrup if you want to play with flavors! No matter which variation you choose, this pie is sure to be a hit at your gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

How to Store and Freeze Salted Maple Pie

Room Temperature: Allow the pie to cool completely before storing. It can sit out for up to 2 hours before it should be wrapped or covered.
Fridge: Store any leftovers wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will keep the filling fresh and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy your Salted Maple Pie later, freeze it before the sprinkling of sea salt. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before serving for that extra touch!

Make Ahead Options

These Salted Maple Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pie crust up to 24 hours in advance by blind baking it and storing it covered at room temperature to maintain its flaky texture. Additionally, the filling can be mixed and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent any curdling or separation, mix well before use. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour the filling into the prepared crust, bake until set, and remember to sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before serving. This prep-ahead approach allows you to enjoy a delicious dessert with minimal fuss amidst your busy schedule!

Salted Maple Pie Recipe FAQs

What type of maple syrup should I use for the Salted Maple Pie?
I highly recommend using Grade B maple syrup for its deep, rich flavor that really shines in this pie. However, if you’re in a pinch, Grade A can work too; it will still provide that sweet maple goodness, though the flavor might be slightly less intense.

How should I store leftovers of my Salted Maple Pie?
Once your pie has cooled completely, you can store leftovers wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the creamy texture of the filling while keeping the crust from getting soggy.

Can I freeze Salted Maple Pie, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Salted Maple Pie, wait until it has cooled completely. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before warming it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Remember to sprinkle the flaky salt just before serving!

What should I do if the filling of my Salted Maple Pie appears oily?
If you notice that your filling looks oily when baking, it may mean the butter and syrup weren’t combined thoroughly before adding the eggs. To prevent this, ensure you mix the melted butter and maple syrup together well until fully incorporated before adding in the egg mixture. This helps create a smooth and creamy filling without any unwanted texture.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind for this recipe?
When preparing Salted Maple Pie, it’s important to consider dietary restrictions. This pie contains eggs and dairy, making it unsuitable for vegans or those with egg or dairy allergies. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy milk alternative, and use a suitable pie crust that’s vegan-friendly. Adjusting the ingredients can make a delicious pie while respecting dietary needs.

Can I use alternates for ingredients in the Salted Maple Pie?
Yes, variations are a delight with this recipe! You can swap the Grade B maple syrup with honey for a different flavor profile, or use dark brown sugar instead of light brown for a richer taste. If you need a gluten-free option, consider using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for the crust. This flexibility allows you to customize the pie based on what you have on hand, making it your own delicious creation.