Description
Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is a luscious, creamy dessert from Greece featuring a smooth ricotta and honey filling baked inside a flaky pie crust or layered phyllo dough. This traditionally sweet pie is lightly spiced with cinnamon and optionally enhanced with vanilla, making it a delightful treat perfect for any occasion requiring a taste of authentic Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Base
- 1 package pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if preferred)
- Alternatively, use phyllo dough for a crispier, flakier texture
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup honey (preferably Greek honey for authentic flavor)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or any milk of your choice)
For Garnish
- Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Place the pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. If using phyllo dough, butter or oil each sheet and layer it in the pie dish, pressing down the edges carefully.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese (or Greek yogurt), honey, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract, flour, and milk. Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated without lumps.
- Fill the crust: Pour the prepared filling into the crust-lined pie dish. If using phyllo dough, fold the edges of the dough neatly over the filling to encase it slightly.
- Bake the pie: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the filling is set but slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool and chill: Allow the pie to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to firm up completely.
- Serve: Before serving, drizzle the top with honey and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Slice and enjoy your Golden Greek Honey Pie.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ricotta cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Using phyllo dough gives the pie a crispier, flakier texture compared to the standard pie crust.
- Ensure the filling is smooth to avoid lumps in the pie.
- Do not overbake the pie to keep a creamy texture; the center should remain slightly wobbly when you remove it from the oven.
- Chilling the pie helps set the filling for easier slicing.
- Use authentic Greek honey if possible to capture the traditional flavor.
