Name: Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)
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’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! This Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is one of those magical treats that can brighten any day. It’s not only a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth but also incredibly simple to whip up. Whether you’re having a cozy family gathering or just want something sweet after dinner on a busy weeknight, this pie is perfect for every occasion.

What makes this recipe special is its delightful layers of buttery phyllo dough and a spiced semolina filling, topped off with a luscious honey glaze. There’s something about the combination of textures and flavors that just warms the heart. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare: With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have this dessert ready in no time!
Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and comforting taste of honey pie.
Make-ahead convenience: This dessert can be made ahead of time and served warm or at room temperature.
Delicious flavor: The blend of cinnamon and nutmeg creates an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
Beautiful presentation: The golden layers of phyllo look stunning on any table, making it perfect for celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is a breeze! You’ll find that these are all simple, wholesome choices that come together beautifully. Let’s take a look at what you need:

For the Pie

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

For the Topping

1/2 cup honey, warmed
2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

Variations

What I love about this Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is how adaptable it can be! Feel free to get creative and try out these fun variations:

Add some fruit: Toss in some fresh berries or sliced apples for added sweetness and flavor.
Experiment with spices: Swap out cinnamon and nutmeg for cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
Try different nuts: Instead of sesame seeds, sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds on top for added crunch.
Use flavored honey: Try infusing your honey with citrus zest or vanilla for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pie bakes evenly. While it’s warming up, you can prepare your baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Phyllo Base

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay down one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this process with six more sheets. Stacking them neatly creates those lovely flaky layers that make this pie so special!

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the semolina flour, eggs, sugar, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. This mixture will become the creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the crispy phyllo base.

Step 4: Combine Layers

Pour the semolina mixture over your stacked phyllo base. Then top it off with the last sheet of phyllo dough, brushing butter between each layer again. Lightly score the top with a knife; this helps it bake evenly and gives it an appealing look.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake your pie in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes until it’s beautifully golden brown and set in the middle. The aroma will be irresistible as it bakes!

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Once baked, let your pie cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle warmed honey over the top and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Slice into pieces and enjoy either warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s sure to be delightful!

Pro Tips for Making Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)

Making the perfect Golden Greek Honey Pie is all about attention to detail and a sprinkle of love! Here are some handy tips to ensure your dessert turns out beautifully every time.

Use fresh phyllo dough: Fresh phyllo will make all the difference in texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure it’s completely thawed before working with it to avoid tearing.
Layer generously with butter: Don’t skimp on the melted butter between phyllo layers. This not only adds flavor but also helps create those delightful crispy layers that make Melopita so irresistible.
Let it cool before slicing: After baking, allow the pie to cool slightly before cutting into it. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices, showcasing those beautiful layers.
Experiment with spices: While cinnamon and nutmeg are traditional, feel free to add a pinch of cardamom or vanilla extract for an extra depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey.
Warm the honey: Drizzling warmed honey over the pie enhances its sweetness and gives it a lovely shine. It also allows the honey to soak into the pie slightly, adding to its lusciousness.

How to Serve Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)

This delightful dessert can be served in various ways that highlight its rich flavors and textures. Here are some ideas to make your presentation as inviting as possible!

Garnishes

Fresh mint leaves: These add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pie.
Chopped walnuts or almonds: A sprinkle of chopped nuts provides a crunchy texture that complements the soft filling perfectly.
Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon on top before serving enhances both appearance and flavor.

Side Dishes

Greek yogurt: A dollop of thick Greek yogurt on the side provides a creamy contrast to the sweet pie, balancing flavors beautifully.
Fruit salad: A simple fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers freshness and acidity, enhancing each bite of Melopita.
Herbal tea: Serve with a warm cup of herbal tea like chamomile or mint for a soothing beverage that pairs well with this sweet treat.
Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory counterpoint to the sweetness, making for an interesting flavor combination.

With these serving suggestions, your Golden Greek Honey Pie will not only taste divine but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy this Mediterranean delicacy with family and friends, creating memories along with every delicious bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is fantastic for meal prep! You can make it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Once cooled, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
For best results, freeze before drizzling with honey.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
To reheat, warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Drizzle with honey just before serving for that fresh taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Greek dessert:

Can I make Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) without phyllo dough?

Yes! While phyllo dough gives the pie its signature texture, you can use a simple sponge cake base if you prefer. Just adjust your baking time accordingly.

How do I ensure my Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) doesn’t become soggy?

To prevent sogginess, ensure you bake it until golden brown and set. Also, allowing it to cool before storing helps maintain its texture.

What can I serve with Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)?

This pie pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh fruit on the side also complements its rich flavors beautifully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this beautiful Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)! It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with warmth and flavor that brings people together. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or sharing it with loved ones, this pie is sure to impress. Happy baking, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out!

Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek

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Description

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita), a delightful dessert that combines flaky phyllo layers with a rich, spiced semolina filling. This easy-to-make pie is perfect for family gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner. With its golden crust and luscious honey glaze, it’s sure to impress both friends and family. Enjoy this Mediterranean classic that beautifully balances texture and flavor, making every bite a little slice of happiness.

Ingredients

Scale

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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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer 7 sheets of phyllo in the baking dish, brushing each with melted butter.
In a bowl, whisk semolina flour, eggs, sugar, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
Pour the mixture over the phyllo layers and top with the final sheet of phyllo, brushing with butter.
Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before drizzling warmed honey on top and sprinkling with toasted sesame seeds.