Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe
Golden Greek Honey Pie, known as Melopita, is a traditional Greek dessert featuring layers of delicate phyllo dough filled with a creamy semolina custard. This pie is perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, baked until golden brown, and finished with a drizzle of warm honey and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Scale
Phyllo Layers
- 8 sheets of phyllo dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 cup semolina flour
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup honey, warmed
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Layer Phyllo Base: Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the greased dish and brush it generously with melted butter. Continue layering and buttering six more sheets on top, stacking them neatly to form a buttery phyllo base.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together semolina flour, eggs, granulated sugar, whole milk, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until you achieve a smooth, uniform custard mixture.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the semolina custard evenly over the phyllo base in the baking dish. Then, cover the filling with the remaining phyllo sheet, brushing each layer generously with melted butter. Lightly score the top layer with a knife to make slicing easier after baking.
- Bake the Pie: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown on top and the custard is set. After baking, allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Add Honey and Seeds: Drizzle warmed honey evenly over the top of the pie and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Slice the pie and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh phyllo sheets and keep them covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent drying out.
- Warming the honey slightly makes it easier to drizzle smoothly over the pie.
- To toast sesame seeds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- If preferred, substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for enhanced flavor.
Keywords: Greek dessert, Melopita, honey pie, phyllo dough, semolina custard, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey drizzle, toasted sesame seeds
