Name: Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 8 sheets of phyllo dough; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 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; 1/2 cup honey, warmed; 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

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If you’ve ever wanted to bring a slice of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen, then this Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is just the thing. With its flaky layers of buttery phyllo dough embracing a luscious semolina custard spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, every bite offers a comforting, sweet experience that feels like a warm hug. Drizzled generously with golden honey and finished with toasty sesame seeds, this pie balances textures and flavors beautifully. Whether served warm or at room temperature, the Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is truly a standout dessert that’s as inviting to make as it is to eat.

Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is delightfully straightforward, and each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of texture, richness, and flavor. From the crisp, buttery phyllo to the fragrant spices and creamy semolina, these simple components come together to make magic happen.

Phyllo dough: Eight delicate sheets provide the essential flaky, crunchy layers that crown the pie.
Unsalted butter: One cup melted to lovingly brush each phyllo layer so it browns beautifully and gains that irresistible crispness.
Semolina flour: A cup of this coarse flour gives the custard its unique, creamy texture and slight nuttiness.
Eggs: Three large eggs act as the binding agents that help set the filling to an indulgent, custardy perfection.
Granulated sugar: Three-quarters of a cup sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the natural honey finish.
Whole milk: Two cups bring richness and smoothness, marrying all the flavors inside the pie.
Ground cinnamon: A teaspoon adds a warm, aromatic depth that makes every bite cozy.
Ground nutmeg: Half a teaspoon imparts a subtle, fragrant spice that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Pinch of salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet and savory notes in the pie.
Honey: Half a cup, warmed, for the signature golden drizzle that makes the pie shine and taste divine.
Sesame seeds: Two tablespoons toasted to sprinkle on top, adding a nutty crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Phyllo Base

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures the pie won’t stick and makes for easier serving later. Next, take out your phyllo dough sheets. Phyllo can be delicate, so handle it with care as you lay down one sheet at a time, brushing each generously with melted butter. Repeat this with seven sheets to build a wonderfully crisp and buttery base. This is the foundation of our Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita), and it sets the stage for the luscious filling that’s about to come.

Step 2: Make the Semolina Custard Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk together semolina flour, eggs, sugar, whole milk, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is perfectly smooth. This filling is creamy and spiced, designed to complement the light, flaky phyllo base. It’s where that lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture originates, along with the sweet, comforting flavor profile that defines the Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita).

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Pour the silky custard over the buttered phyllo base, spreading it out evenly. Then layer the remaining phyllo sheet on top, brushing with butter between each layer to maintain crispiness and ensure even browning. Once your top layer is in place, score the surface lightly with a knife—this helps the pie bake evenly and makes slicing easier later. The scored top also gives a nice rustic look to the golden crust.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set

Slide the pie into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should turn a gorgeous golden brown, and the filling will be set but still moist. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen, making it impossible to wait until the pie cools down just a bit—about 10 minutes—before you drizzle the glorious honey.

Step 5: Add the Honey Drizzle and Sesame Seeds

Warm the honey slightly to make it drizzle easily over the pie’s surface. This final touch not only sweetens the dessert naturally but also adds that signature golden glaze that the Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is famous for. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a pleasing crunch and a lovely nutty flavor boost. Now your masterpiece is ready to be sliced and savored!

How to Serve Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)

Garnishes

The simplest garnishes make a big difference here. Additional honey drizzles just before serving keep the pie moist and shiny. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or extra toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on each slice can elevate the presentation and add an unexpected finish that makes every bite feel special.

Side Dishes

While this pie shines as a stand-alone treat, pairing it with fresh seasonal fruits like figs or berries adds a bright contrast. For an extra indulgent touch, serve it alongside whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt — these creamy accompaniments balance the sweetness while complementing the pie’s rich texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve individual slices on beautiful plates with a spoonful of honey and sesame seeds artistically drizzled around. For brunch, consider cutting the pie into mini squares and serving on a dessert platter with fresh mint leaves. The Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) adapts wonderfully to many occasions, making it more than just a dessert but a centerpiece of conversation and delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) can be kept covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its texture and flavor, allowing you to enjoy the pie at room temperature or gently reheated without sacrificing that perfect balance of crisp and creamy.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until the top turns crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make phyllo soggy. The reheating process revives the golden layers and reactivates the lovely scent of spices and honey.

FAQs

What makes Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) different from other honey pies?

Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) stands out because of its use of semolina in the custard filling and flaky phyllo layers instead of a traditional crust. The honey drizzle and sesame seeds add authentic Greek flavors and distinct textures, creating a dessert that’s both unique and memorable.

Can I use store-bought phyllo dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought phyllo dough is typically used for convenience and works perfectly. Just be sure to thaw it properly and handle the sheets gently so they don’t dry out or tear during assembly.

Is this pie best served warm or cold?

Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is delicious both warm and at room temperature. Warm slices offer a comforting feel while allowing the honey to meld beautifully; room temperature allows the flavors to settle and the textures to soften slightly, which many enjoy as well.

Can I substitute the semolina with regular flour?

Substituting semolina with regular flour would change the texture quite a bit. Semolina gives that characteristic creaminess and slight bite to the custard. If you must substitute, try using fine cornmeal or a mixture of regular flour with a touch of semolina, but the authentic texture may be slightly altered.

What type of honey works best for drizzling?

A good quality Greek thyme or wildflower honey is ideal as it has a rich floral flavor and golden color that enhances the pie’s taste. However, any mild, natural honey will work beautifully and complement the spices and custard.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve explored every step and secret behind making this Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita), I hope you feel as excited as I do about trying it yourself. It’s one of those recipes that effortlessly brings joy — perfect to share with friends, family, or just to treat yourself. Once you taste the harmonious blend of crisp phyllo, spiced semolina, and sweet honey, you’ll understand why this pie holds a special place in Greek cuisine and hearts worldwide.

Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: Harry
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Golden Greek Honey Pie, also known as Melopita, is a luscious dessert featuring layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with a creamy semolina custard, infused with warm spices and topped with honey and toasted sesame seeds for a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

Instructions

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
Layer Phyllo Base: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this process with six more sheets, layering and buttering each evenly to create a crisp, buttery base.
Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the semolina flour, eggs, sugar, whole milk, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined to form a creamy custard mixture.
Assemble Pie: Pour the semolina custard filling evenly over the buttered phyllo base. Then layer the remaining phyllo sheet on top, brushing each sheet with melted butter to maintain flakiness. Score the top layer lightly with a knife to help with even cooking and easy slicing after baking.
Bake: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. Allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes to let the custard firm up slightly.
Add Honey and Seeds: Drizzle the warmed honey evenly over the cooled pie and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and a nutty flavor. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for best taste.

Notes

Ensure phyllo sheets are kept covered with a damp towel while working to prevent drying out.
Warming the honey makes it easier to drizzle and enhances its aroma.
To toast sesame seeds, dry fry them in a pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
This pie tastes delicious served with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon.
You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version, though the texture will be slightly different.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek