There’s something comforting about the balance of sweet maple and a touch of salt baked into a golden crust. This salted maple pie has that rich, custard-like filling that feels silky on your fork and tastes like fall in every bite. Using pure maple syrup makes the flavor deep and nostalgic, while a hint of salt keeps it from being overly sweet. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend treat or as a holiday showstopper, this salted maple pie is one you’ll return to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Salted Maple Pie
This pie is smooth, decadent, and incredibly easy to make. The filling comes together with simple pantry ingredients, yet it delivers a complex flavor that rivals any bakery pie. A buttery crust paired with the maple custard creates a beautiful contrast of texture and taste. It’s a dessert that works equally well for a casual family dinner or as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients for Salted Maple Dessert
Gathering the right mix of pantry basics and fresh items ensures this salted maple pie turns out rich and flavorful. Each ingredient plays a part in balancing sweetness, creaminess, and texture.
Pantry & Fresh
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Unsalted butter, chilled | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Ice water | 3-4 tablespoons |
| White vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Pure maple syrup | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Heavy cream | 3/4 cup |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Cornmeal | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Substitutions for Maple Custard Pie
If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half can step in, though the filling will be a little lighter. Dark maple syrup (Grade B) gives the deepest flavor, but amber syrup works if you prefer something milder. For the crust, you can use store-bought pie dough to save time. If you’re dairy-free, swap the butter for a vegan alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Salted Maple Pie
Making this pie is easier than it looks. With a little prep and the right order, you’ll end up with a silky custard filling nestled in a crisp, golden crust.
- Make the Dough
Cut chilled butter into flour with a fork or pastry cutter, then stir in vinegar water until the dough comes together. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Form the Crust
Roll the dough into a circle, fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, and crimp the edges. Blind bake at 375°F for 15 minutes to keep it crisp.
- Mix the Filling
Whisk maple syrup, brown sugar, cream, eggs, cornmeal, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is smooth.
- Bake the Pie
Pour the filling into the warm crust and bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until set in the center. Cool fully before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Salted Maple Dessert
To achieve that creamy, custard-like texture, whisk the filling until no streaks remain and strain if you see any lumps. Always bake the crust partially first so it stays crisp under the custard.Allow the pie to fully cool so the custard sets and holds its shape when sliced. For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water between slices.
Variations & Substitutions for Easy Maple Pie Recipe
For a gluten-free option, use a pre-made gluten-free crust or almond flour crust. Dairy-free cooks can lean on vegan butter and coconut cream, which pair surprisingly well with maple. Adding toasted pecans or walnuts to the top before baking adds crunch and depth. If you want a protein boost, whisk in two extra egg yolks for a richer custard. For a budget-friendly version, blend half maple syrup and half honey, though the flavor will shift slightly.
Serve Salted Maple Pie With
This pie shines with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of extra maple syrup. A strong cup of coffee, hot cider, or spiced tea balances the sweetness beautifully.
Storage & Reheat
Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until just warm. Avoid the microwave, it can make the crust rubbery. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge. For safe freezing methods, see FDA food safety tips.
Nutrition
Each slice (1/8 of the pie) has about 380 calories, with 18g fat, 50g carbohydrates, and 5g protein. The maple syrup provides natural sweetness, but sugar is still high, so enjoy in moderation. Learn more from the NIH nutrition basics and USDA dietary guidelines.
FAQs
The key is to whisk the filling until the eggs are fully incorporated, then strain it before pouring into the crust. Using heavy cream instead of milk also keeps the texture silky.
Yes, you can make it one day ahead. Bake, cool, and refrigerate the pie. Serve at room temperature or gently rewarm in the oven before dinner.
Pure dark or Grade B maple syrup is best for a bold, rich flavor. Amber syrup is milder but still works well if you prefer a lighter taste.
Blind baking the crust before adding the filling helps seal it. You can also brush the crust with a thin layer of egg white during blind bake to create a barrier.
More Like This
If you’re craving more desserts with cozy fall flavors, you’ll love our apple crumble cheesecake, a creamy baked treat with a crunchy topping. For a festive twist, try the salted caramel apple pie cheesecake, which blends salty-sweet flavors beautifully. The apple pie cupcakes give you all the comfort of pie in a handheld dessert. And if you want a showstopper for Thanksgiving, the classic pumpkin roll is a timeless favorite.
Salted Maple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Silky smooth salted maple pie with a custard-like filling and buttery crust. Perfect for holidays or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled
- 3–4 tbsp ice water
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp cornmeal
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Make the dough: Prepare crust with flour, butter, vinegar water, chill 30 minutes.
- Form the crust: Roll, fit into pie pan, blind bake 15 minutes.
- Mix the filling: Whisk until smooth, strain if needed.
- Bake the pie: Fill crust, bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, cool before slicing.
Notes
For best texture, use dark maple syrup and heavy cream. Blind bake crust to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Save This Recipe for Later
Pin this salted maple pie to your holiday board so you’ll have it ready when pie season rolls around. Share it with friends, save it on Pinterest, and come back to leave a comment once you’ve tried it yourself.