If you have a sweet tooth and a love for rich, comforting desserts, then the Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. This traditional Greek dessert brings together creamy Kasseri or mild feta cheese with the natural sweetness of floral honey, all nestled in a tender buttery crust. It’s a beautifully simple yet irresistibly delicious pie that balances sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors in every slice. Perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings, this pie offers a delightful taste of Greek heritage that feels both rustic and elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe lies in its use of straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a symphony of taste and texture. Each element plays a vital role, from the flaky crust to the luscious filling, providing sweetness, creaminess, and just a hint of spice.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the crust, providing structure and a perfect base—gluten-free options like almond or oat flour work beautifully too.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter or olive oil: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough, ensuring the crust is both flaky and flavorful.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness in the pie.
- 3-4 tbsp cold water: Just enough to bind the dough together without making it tough.
- 1 1/2 cups Kasseri or mild feta cheese, softened: The star ingredient of the filling, offering creaminess with a subtle tang.
- 1/2 cup honey (preferably floral, unadulterated): Infuses the pie with natural sweetness and delicate floral notes.
- 3 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the filling, helping it set perfectly.
- 1/4 cup milk: Lightens the filling and adds moisture for a silky texture.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling for a lovely custard-like consistency.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a gentle spice that complements the honey beautifully.
How to Make Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining the flour with either butter or olive oil to create a crumbly texture. This step is crucial because it ensures your crust will be tender and flaky. Add a pinch of salt and gradually mix in just enough cold water to form a dough that comes together nicely but isn’t sticky. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period relaxes the gluten and makes rolling out the dough much easier.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough chills, it’s time to whip up the luscious filling. In a large bowl, blend the softened Kasseri or mild feta cheese with the honey until it becomes a smooth, creamy mixture. Slowly beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then, add the milk and flour gradually, stirring to reach a thick but pourable consistency. Sprinkle in the cinnamon and gently mix everything together so all the flavors harmonize perfectly.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has rested, remove it from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about 1 inch thick and large enough to fit your pie dish, leaving a little edge for the crust’s rim. Take your time to transfer the rolled dough to the pie dish carefully, ensuring it holds its shape without tearing. This is the perfect time to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the rich cheese and honey filling into your prepared pie crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top has developed that gorgeous, golden hue that gives this pie its name. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid any over-browning.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Once baked, allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This is an important step because it helps the flavors meld and the texture become creamy and perfectly set. Whether you prefer your Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe served warm, cold, or at room temperature, each bite promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving of the Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe, consider light garnishes that enhance its natural charm. A drizzle of extra honey or a dusting of cinnamon on top works beautifully. For a fresh contrast, add a few crushed walnuts or slivered almonds to bring a bit of crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
Side Dishes
This pie stands wonderfully on its own but also pairs delightfully with fresh fruit such as figs, grapes, or slices of crisp apple. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream adds richness and coolness that balances the warm, spiced pie notes. A cup of strong Greek coffee or herbal tea complements the flavors, making your dessert experience truly complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or simply make your pie look extra special? Serve individual mini melopita tarts for a charming presentation at parties. You can also cut the pie into rustic wedges and arrange them on a wooden board alongside fresh herbs like mint or thyme for a Mediterranean touch. Experiment with layering thin slices of honeycomb on top or swirling a cinnamon-infused honey glaze right before serving for a stunning glossy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe should be kept covered in the refrigerator. A pie tin covered with plastic wrap or an airtight container is perfect to maintain freshness for up to 3 days. This way, the crust stays crisp enough, and the filling retains its creamy texture without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this pie later, it freezes well. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn, then pop it in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive your Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe, gently warm slices in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and alter the texture of the filling. The oven method helps maintain the pie’s signature golden crust and creamy custard filling beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of Kasseri or feta?
Absolutely! While Kasseri and mild feta offer authentic flavor, you can substitute with ricotta, cream cheese, or a mild farmer’s cheese to achieve a similar creamy texture and subtle tang. Just ensure the cheese is soft and easily blendable.
Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, you can use almond flour or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free crust. The texture will be slightly different, but the pie will still taste fantastic and hold together well.
How sweet is the pie? Can I adjust the honey quantity?
The pie balances sweetness and savory notes perfectly, but you can tweak the honey amount to your taste. Reducing it slightly will give a more subtle sweetness, while adding a bit more can make the pie richer and sweeter if you prefer.
Can I prepare the pie in advance for a party?
Definitely, this pie is great for making ahead. Prepare the crust and filling, then assemble and bake the day before your event. Chill it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature or gently warm before serving for best results.
What is the best way to achieve a golden top?
Using a mild cheese with some fat content and a careful baking temperature of 350°F (175°C) allows the filling to set and develop that lovely golden color naturally. If you want extra golden shine, a light brush of honey before the final 5 minutes of baking works wonders.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe that makes you feel connected to generations of sweet traditions. Its rustic charm, combined with that irresistible honey-infused filling and delicate cinnamon warmth, creates a slice of heaven that is perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try baking it yourself and share moments filled with delicious crumbs and heartfelt smiles. Trust me, once you do, this pie will have a special place in your kitchen and heart forever.
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Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Golden Greek Honey Pie, or Melopita, is a traditional Greek dessert featuring a tender, buttery crust filled with a creamy blend of kasseri or mild feta cheese, honey, eggs, and a hint of cinnamon. This comforting pie bakes to a delicate golden top and offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or almond/oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter or olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- 3–4 tbsp cold water
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups Kasseri or mild feta cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup honey (preferably floral, unadulterated)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Mix the flour with the butter or olive oil until a crumbly texture forms. Add a pinch of salt and just enough cold water to bring the dough together. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and ensure a tender crust.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, cream together the softened cheese and honey until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then gradually add milk and flour to create a thick but pourable mixture. Sprinkle in the cinnamon and gently mix to combine all flavors evenly.
- Roll out the dough: Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface until it fits your pie dish, approximately 1 inch thick with a small edge around the sides. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish.
- Fill and bake: Pour the cheese and honey filling into the prepared crust and smooth the surface evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to let the flavors meld and the texture set into a creamy consistency. Serve with optional garnishes and enjoy warm, cold, or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour throughout the recipe.
- Kasseri cheese can be replaced with mild feta for a slightly different taste and creaminess.
- Use floral, unadulterated honey to maximize the pie’s authentic sweet flavor.
- Be careful not to overbake; the filling should be set but still creamy inside.
- The pie can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled according to preference.
