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.
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
- 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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Greek honey pie, Melopita, phyllo dessert, semolina custard pie, honey sesame pie, traditional Greek dessert
