Honey-Sweetened Pumpkin Pie with Flaky Butter Crust
This extraordinary pumpkin pie recipe transforms the holiday classic by incorporating pure, natural honey for a depth of flavor that can't be matched. With a perfectly flaky homemade crust and a silky-smooth filling enhanced with Honey House Clover Honey (or try it with Alfalfa honey!), this pie will become your new holiday tradition.
Why You'll Love This Pie
- The combination of honey and brown sugar creates a perfectly balanced sweetness
- Homemade butter crust that's flaky, tender, and fool-proof
- Pure pumpkin and premium honey create an authentic, natural flavor
- Make-ahead friendly for stress-free holiday planning
- Perfect blend of traditional holiday spices
- Ideal canvas for showcasing different honey varietals
Ingredients
For the Pie Dough
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup shortening
- ½ cup ice-cold water
For the Pumpkin Filling
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup Honey House Clover Honey (or Alfalfa honey for a unique twist)
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of cloves
- ¾ cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
For Serving
- Whipped cream
- Additional Honey House Honey for drizzling
- Optional: toasted pecans for garnish
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pie
For the Crust
- Keep Everything Cold: Cold ingredients are crucial for a flaky crust
- Don't Overwork: Handle the dough minimally to prevent tough crust
- Rest Period: Don't skip the chilling time - it prevents shrinkage
- Proper Rolling: Use even pressure and rotate the dough while rolling
- Crimping: A thicker crimped edge helps prevent burning
For the Filling
- Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure smooth incorporation
- Strain the Filling: For the silkiest texture, strain after mixing
- Prevent Cracks: Don't overbake - center should still have slight jiggle
- Cool Properly: Allow to cool completely on a wire rack
- Honey Selection: Experiment with different honey varietals for unique flavor profiles
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine sifted flour with salt
- Create a well in the center and add cold cubed butter and shortening
- Using a pastry cutter, blend until mixture resembles coarse meal
- Add ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time, gently folding until dough comes together
- Knead briefly on a floured surface until cohesive
- Divide dough in half, shape into rounds
- Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 3-4 days)
- Roll out on floured surface to desired size
- Transfer to pie pan and crimp edges, folding for a thicker crust
- Blind bake at 325°F for 10 minutes using pie weights
Making the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine Honey House Honey, brown sugar, and eggs; mix until light and airy
- Add evaporated milk, heavy cream, and spices; mix until well combined
- Tap bowl gently to release air bubbles
- Pour into par-baked crust
- Bake at 325°F for 55-60 minutes until center is set
- Cool completely on wire rack
- Serve with whipped cream and a drizzle of honey
Storage Tips
- Pie can be made 1 day ahead and stored at room temperature
- Store leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Unbaked pie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months
Recipe Notes
You simply can't beat a fresh-baked pumpkin pie, especially one enhanced with premium honey! While Honey House Clover Honey works beautifully in this recipe, trying it with Alfalfa honey adds an unexpected and delightful dimension to the traditional flavors. The subtle floral notes complement the warm spices perfectly, creating a unique twist on this holiday classic.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this honey-sweetened pumpkin pie with:
- Fresh whipped cream
- A drizzle of warm Honey House Honey
- Spiced chai tea
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions
- Pie dough can be made and refrigerated up to 4 days ahead
- Fully baked pie can be frozen for up to 1 month
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving
- Warm slightly before serving for best flavor
Pro Tip: For the flakiest crust, freeze your butter for 15 minutes before cutting it into cubes, and make sure your water is ice-cold.