There’s something magical about the way a baking pie can fill a home with warmth, especially on a crisp autumn afternoon. The first time I made Salted Maple Pie, I remember the air outside shimmering with golden leaves, while the kitchen glowed from the oven’s gentle heat. That moment became the start of a sweet family tradition—a dessert that instantly stole our hearts and earned a permanent place on our holiday table.
Growing up, we often baked together on weekends, rolling out dough while laughter mingled with the scent of butter and sugar. Over time, we perfected the art of Buttery Pie Dough, each flaky layer promising that tender bite of old-fashioned comfort. But it wasn’t until we discovered the subtle miracle of maple—the deep, woodsy sweetness paired with a delicate touch of salt—that our pie story truly took off. The Salted Maple Pie blended everything I loved about fall baking—nostalgia, simplicity, and a sense of togetherness in every slice.
Each time we make this pie, it feels like rediscovering a cozy memory. The crisp outer crust of Buttery Pie Dough cradles the silky filling, balancing sweetness and warmth in every bite. It’s more than just dessert; it’s a way to pause and appreciate the small, heartwarming rituals of home baking—the sound of the rolling pin, the aroma of caramelized maple syrup, and the joy of gathering around the table with something truly special.
Print
Salted Maple Pie with Buttery Pie Dough – A Cozy Dessert from Wood & Spoon
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
Description
A rich and comforting dessert featuring a flaky buttery pie crust and a silky salted maple filling. Perfect for fall gatherings and cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the pie dough by cutting cold butter into flour and salt until pea sized, add ice water until dough holds together, form into a disc and chill 30 minutes.
3. Roll chilled dough into a 9-inch circle and fit into a pie plate, trim and crimp edges, then chill 15 minutes.
4. Whisk eggs, brown sugar, cream, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
5. Warm maple syrup and butter in a saucepan until just simmering, cool slightly, then whisk into the egg mixture.
6. Pour filling into chilled crust and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
7. Bake for 45–55 minutes until edges are set and center slightly wobbles.
8. Cool completely before slicing to allow filling to set.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 75
Keywords: salted maple pie, buttery pie dough, autumn dessert, maple syrup pie, homemade pie, flaky crust, cozy dessert, wood & spoon
Why Salted Maple Pie Feels Special Every Time
The flavor of Salted Maple Pie is unlike any other—it’s a perfect harmony of sweet and salty, silky and crisp. The filling has that deep, caramel-like richness only pure maple syrup can create, subtly enhanced with butter and cream for body and flavor. Then there’s the salt—just a pinch, but enough to turn sweetness into sophistication. That contrast wakes up the palate and makes each bite feel more balanced and memorable.
Of course, none of it would be complete without the ever-reliable Buttery Pie Dough. The flaky, golden crust provides a tender crunch that perfectly supports the smooth filling. Each layer carries a whisper of butter that melts on the tongue, creating a texture that grounds the pie and keeps it from feeling overly rich.
This pie’s inspiration comes from the comforting recipes found on Wood & Spoon, where rustic simplicity meets approachable elegance. Like the best Pies & Tarts traditions, this dessert is humble yet decadent—a pie that feels handmade, heartfelt, and timeless. Whether served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or chilled for a cleaner slice, Salted Maple Pie with Buttery Pie Dough reminds us that the best desserts don’t have to be complicated. They just have to be made with love, patience, and good butter.
The Perfect Buttery Pie Dough Recipe
Crafting the Flakiest Butter Pie Crust
A perfect Salted Maple Pie begins with a perfect crust, and at the heart of every exceptional crust is a flaky, golden Buttery Pie Dough. This dough provides structure, flavor, and that irresistible texture that crumbles and melts at the same time. It’s simple at its core—flour, butter, salt, and ice water—but when handled with care, these humble ingredients transform into something extraordinary.
Start by making sure all your ingredients are cold. Cold butter is the key to those sought-after flaky layers. Cut the butter into small cubes and work it quickly into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until pea-sized crumbs form. You should still see bits of visible butter; those flecks are what puff and expand during baking, creating delicate, crisp pockets of flavor.
Next, drizzle in just enough ice water to bring the dough together—usually a few tablespoons at a time. Overworking the dough can toughen it, so keep the handling minimal. Once it forms, shape into a flat disc, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. Resting allows the flour to hydrate evenly and the butter to firm up again, ensuring a smooth roll-out and minimal shrinking during baking. A well-chilled, pliable Buttery Pie Dough rolls out like satin and bakes into a beautiful base that perfectly cradles the maple filling.
Pro tip: If your dough is crumbly, gently gather it with your hands. Too dry? Add a teaspoon of water. Too sticky? Dust lightly with flour. Small adjustments make all the difference in achieving pie perfection.
Tools and Temperature Tips for Pie Dough Success
The right tools and temperature control can make or break your Buttery Pie Dough. The good news? You don’t need anything fancy—just the basics and a little attention to detail. You’ll need a sturdy mixing bowl, pastry cutter or fork, rolling pin, and a 9-inch pie plate. A bench scraper helps lift and rotate dough without tearing it.
Temperature matters most. Cold ingredients produce a flaky, tender crust, while heat can cause butter to melt and ruin texture. Keep your ingredients and equipment chilled when needed, especially on warm days.
| Ingredient | Ideal Temperature | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | Very Cold | Creates flakiness |
| Water | Ice Cold | Maintains dough structure |
| Flour | Room Temp | Provides stability |
Always chill the dough again before baking to prevent shrinkage and ensure the butter solidifies fully. Once this flaky foundation is ready, it’s time to turn to the heart of the dessert—the smooth, caramelized filling that gives Salted Maple Pie its signature comfort.
The Salted Maple Pie Filling
Maple Magic: Ingredients That Define the Flavor
The heart of every Salted Maple Pie lies in its silky, amber-colored filling—a luxurious blend of pure maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, eggs, and a touch of salt. When combined and baked into Buttery Pie Dough, these ingredients create a custard-like layer that feels lush yet balanced.
Pure maple syrup is the star—choose dark grade syrup for its caramel, vanilla, and woodsy notes that intensify during baking. The brown sugar deepens flavor with soft molasses tones, while butter and cream lend indulgent richness. Eggs ensure structure and silkiness, and a small pinch of salt brings harmony between sweetness and warmth. A drop of vanilla or a splash of bourbon enhances the complexity even more, adding sophistication without losing coziness.
Baked together with a crisp, buttery crust, this silky filling captures everything we crave from homemade sweets—comfort, nostalgia, and a hint of indulgence.
Step-by-Step Baking Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Position a rack in the lower third to keep the crust from overbrowning.
- Prepare the filling: In a saucepan, melt butter with maple syrup until just simmering. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Whisk together eggs, brown sugar, cream, and salt in a bowl. Gradually pour in the warm maple mixture while whisking continuously.
- Fill the crust: Pour the mixture into your prepared pie shell. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for flavor and sparkle.
- Bake 45–55 minutes or until edges set and center gently jiggles. It will firm as it cools.
For the best results, let the filling cool before adding it to the crust to prevent sogginess. You can blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes if you prefer an extra crisp base. Protect the crust edges midway with foil if they brown too quickly, and remove the pie when the center still moves slightly when shaken.
Allow your Salted Maple Pie with Buttery Pie Dough to cool fully before slicing. Add whipped cream, warm maple drizzle, or a sprinkle of flaky salt just before serving for a polished finish. Whether warm or chilled, this pie delivers deep autumn flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture in every bite.
FAQs about Salted Maple Pie with Buttery Pie Dough
1. Can I use store-bought pie dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Choose a brand made with real butter for best results. Chill it before filling to minimize shrinkage during baking.
2. What’s the best type of maple syrup to use?
Select pure Grade A Dark syrup for robust, caramelized sweetness that balances beautifully with salt and butter.
3. How long does salted maple pie keep fresh?
It stays fresh up to 4 days when refrigerated in a covered container. Thaw and serve at room temperature for best flavor if previously chilled.
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the Buttery Pie Dough up to two days ahead or bake the pie a day in advance. The flavor actually deepens after resting overnight.
5. How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Start with cold dough and consider blind-baking it briefly. Let your maple mixture cool before pouring to preserve those buttery layers.
Conclusion: A Sweet Slice of Comfort at Home
From the first flaky bite to the last salted crumb, Salted Maple Pie with Buttery Pie Dough captures everything comforting about home baking. The maple custard’s smooth sweetness meets the buttery crunch of golden pastry for a dessert that feels both timeless and indulgent.
What makes this pie special isn’t complexity—it’s the love behind each step. Mixing, rolling, and waiting patiently for the aroma of maple and butter to fill the house. Whether baked for holidays or a quiet weekend, it’s a slice of warmth shared among family and friends.
The Buttery Pie Dough embodies tradition and care, while the salted maple filling adds a note of modern elegance. Together, they create harmony—a reminder that happiness often comes from simple, homemade moments. When the air turns cool again, take out your rolling pin and make this cozy classic from Wood & Spoon. Comfort, after all, often begins with pie and ends with the scent of maple lingering in the kitchen.
