If you're craving a pie that offers a burst of citrusy sweetness with a hint of honey, this Honey Citrus Chess Pie is your answer. It's a delightful twist on the classic chess pie, combining the freshness of lemon and orange with the warmth of honey. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is sure to impress with its unique flavor profile.
Pie crust: The foundation of our pie, providing structure and a delightful flaky texture. You can use store-bought or homemade. Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the citrus flavors. Honey: Adds depth and a floral sweetness, enhancing the citrus notes. Flour and cornmeal: Thicken the filling and add a subtle texture. Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweet and enhance flavors overall. Butter: Provides richness and a smooth mouthfeel. Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile. Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, giving the pie its custard-like consistency. Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang, complementing the citrus. Lemon zest and orange zest: Infuse the pie with fresh, bright aromas. Lemon juice and orange juice: Provide a burst of refreshing citrus flavor.
This pie pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an added touch, garnish with thin slices of fresh lemon and orange or a sprinkle of extra zest for a pop of color and flavor.
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While that's heating up, grab a large mixing bowl. Into this, you'll want to combine the sugar, honey, flour, cornmeal, and salt. Stir them together until they're nicely blended. Next, melt your butter and let it cool slightly. Add it to the mix along with the vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
In a separate bowl, lightly whisk your eggs. This helps them incorporate better into the sugar mixture. Once whisked, add them to your main bowl, blending everything well. Now, stir in the buttermilk, along with the lemon and orange zest and juices. Mix until it all comes together into a cohesive filling.
Pour this vibrant filling into your unbaked pie crust, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Place the pie in your preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You're looking for a set filling with a beautifully golden top. Allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing. This will help the filling to firm up perfectly.