Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe

Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is a sun-kissed, golden-hued dessert that beautifully blends creamy, custardy filling with crisp, buttery layers of phyllo, all finished with a generous drizzle of honey and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. It’s unbelievably luscious, easy to make, and brings a touch of the Greek islands to your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is how it’s built from humble ingredients that each have a starring role. Simple milk, eggs, semolina, and fragrant spices do magical things together, while buttery phyllo and pools of honey give the dessert its signature flavor and texture.

• Phyllo Dough (8 sheets): Gives the pie its irresistibly crisp, flaky top and bottom layers—handle it gently and keep it covered so it doesn’t dry out.
• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Brushed between each sheet, it helps achieve golden, delicate layers and a tender bite.
• Semolina Flour (1 cup): This fine wheat flour gives the custard its characteristic texture—soft, slightly grainy, and beautifully structured.
• Large Eggs (3): Essential for binding the custard and creating the light, fluffy center.
• Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the filling and helps it set to the perfect consistency.
• Whole Milk (2 cups): Adds richness and a silky custard texture; whole milk really does make a difference.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings warmth and an unmistakable Greek aroma to every bite.
• Ground Nutmeg (1/2 tsp): A little goes a long way in adding complexity and depth.
• Pinch of Salt: Enhances all the sweet and aromatic notes, making everything pop.
• Honey (1/2 cup, warmed): The golden crown! Its floral notes and natural sweetness are what truly make this a Melopita.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds (2 tbsp): The nutty crunch on top beautifully echoes the honey and spices.

Variations

The beauty of Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is how easily it welcomes your own creative twists—whether you need a gluten-free option, want to dial up the spice, or swap in local flavors. Here are a few tried-and-true favorites to help inspire your next baking adventure!

• Use Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the custard mix for a subtly citrusy, aromatic note.
• Try Nut-Free Toppings: Skip the sesame seeds and sprinkle crushed pistachios or walnuts for a bit of indulgent crunch and color.
• Swap Semolina for Almond Flour: For a gluten-free twist, use almond or another nut-based flour (keep an eye on the custard set time).
• Lactose-Free Option: Substitute a rich, lactose-free milk—almond or oat milk with a touch of coconut cream works beautifully.

How to Make Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Phyllo

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin coating of melted butter. Carefully lay one sheet of phyllo in the dish and brush with more melted butter, repeating with six additional sheets—layering each and brushing with butter as you go. This forms a gorgeously crisp, golden base for your pie.

Step 2: Whisk and Pour the Custard Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the semolina flour, eggs, granulated sugar, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. You want a smooth, pourable mixture with no streaks of egg or flour—so don’t be shy about giving it a good whisk. Pour this fragrant custard right over your prepared phyllo base, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Layer and Score the Top

Top the custard with the last sheet of phyllo, brushing it with melted butter just as before. If you like, add another couple of sheets for extra crunch, buttering each one. Lightly score the top with a sharp knife to make serving squares easier later—don’t cut all the way through, just enough to mark the surface.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your pie in the center of the oven for 40–45 minutes until the top is a glistening golden brown and the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen as the phyllo crisps and the custard puffs gently.

Step 5: Finish with Honey and Sesame

Let the pie cool for 10 minutes—just enough so it holds together but is still delightfully warm. Drizzle the whole thing generously with warmed honey, letting it seep between the crispy layers, and finish with an artful scattering of toasted sesame seeds. Slice and serve your Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)

Garnishes

This stunning dessert shines with just a drizzle of honey and toasted sesame, but you can elevate it even further with a dusting of extra cinnamon, a scattering of crushed pistachios, or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries also add a bright pop of color and tang!

Side Dishes

The gentle sweetness of Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) pairs beautifully with unsweetened Greek yogurt, a demitasse of hot espresso, or a fresh fruit salad. Try small glasses of dessert wine or iced coffee for a truly Greek finale.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut traditional squares for a rustic, family-style platter, or use a round biscuit cutter for dainty individual servings at a tea party. Stack slices artfully on a wooden board alongside jars of extra honey and tiny bowls of toppings to create a fun “build-your-own” dessert bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container to preserve their irresistible freshness.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap pieces individually in parchment and place in a freezer-safe container. For best texture, freeze before adding the honey and sesame topping; add those after reheating for a fresh-from-the-oven finish.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the phyllo crisps up again. If desired, add a new drizzle of honey and a few extra sesame seeds right before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking something truly special yet effortlessly approachable for your next dessert adventure, Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is your invitation to a bite of sunshine. There’s nothing quite like sharing slices of this treat—warm, fragrant, and honeyed—with family and friends. I hope you adore making it as much as I do!

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