Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe

If you’re looking to indulge in a dessert that’s both comfortingly familiar and bursting with Mediterranean charm, the Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe is your perfect match. This delightful pie blends creamy ricotta cheese with the natural sweetness of honey and a hint of fragrant lemon zest, all encased in a tender, buttery crust. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that feels like a warm embrace from a Greek grandmother’s kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to slow down, savor simple ingredients elevated to something truly special, and share joy with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, contributing to the pie’s delicate texture, sweet yet subtle flavor, and that irresistible golden color that calls you to the table.

• Flour (120 grams / about 3/4 cup): The foundation of the crust, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Sugar (1 teaspoon for crust and 2 tablespoons for filling): Adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering.
• Butter (80 grams / about 1/3 cup, cubed and chilled): Essential for a flaky, rich crust with buttery depth.
• Ricotta cheese (350 grams / 12.4 ounces): The creamy star of the filling, lending a smooth and luscious texture.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): Helps lighten the filling and smooth out the ricotta.
• Eggs (2 medium, room temperature): Bind the filling and create a lovely custard-like consistency.
• Honey (4 tablespoons, plus more for serving): Adds natural sweetness and that classic Greek flavor signature.
• Lemon zest (1 tablespoon, yellow part only): Adds a fresh, bright aroma that cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Ground cinnamon (for dusting and serving): A warm, inviting spice that finishes the pie perfectly.

How to Make Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Melopita Crust

Start by combining the chilled, cubed butter with flour, sugar, salt, and a splash of cold water. You can use a food processor for convenience or mix by hand with a fork until you achieve clumpy, sand-like crumbs. This process is the secret to a tender and flaky crust that will hold all the luscious filling without becoming soggy. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting step is key for achieving that perfect texture.

Step 2: Make the Honey and Ricotta Filling

While the dough chills, mix together drained ricotta, eggs, sugar, honey, milk, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk everything until you get a smooth, velvety batter. This luscious filling brings the pie to life, blending the creamy cheese with sweet honey and bright lemon to create a complex yet harmonious flavor.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Assemble

Once chilled, unwrap the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to fit a 7-inch pie pan. Gently place it in the pan and trim any excess dough from the edges. Pour in the honey and ricotta filling, then smooth the surface with an angled spatula so it’s even and inviting. The filling should nestle nicely into the crust, ready to be transformed in the oven.

Step 4: Bake Your Greek Honey Pie

Slide your melopita onto the lower rack of a preheated oven set at 180°C (350°F). Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the filling is golden and gently set, signaling that the custard has cooked through but remains creamy inside. When you take the pie out, sprinkle it with ground cinnamon and allow it to cool slightly, enhancing its layers of flavors and aromas.

How to Serve Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe

Garnishes

A simple drizzle of extra honey just before serving adds a glossy finish and a burst of natural sweetness that complements the warmth of cinnamon dusted on top. You can also add a few toasted nuts or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint for a twist that adds textural contrast and fresh herbal notes.

Side Dishes

Greek Honey Pie shines wonderfully alongside a cup of strong Greek coffee or herbal tea, balancing the richness of the pie with a warm, slightly bitter note. For a fuller dessert experience, serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the sweet and creamy textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, cut the pie into small squares or wedges and serve on a rustic wooden board paired with little dishes of honey and cinnamon. You could even layer small portions in glass jars with yogurt or fruit for a delightful Greek-inspired dessert parfait that echoes the flavors of the classic pie.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) keeps wonderfully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to wrap it well with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to preserve the creamy filling and prevent the crust from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the pie for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge; this helps retain the perfect texture without any sogginess.

Reheating

To warm up the pie while keeping that lovely crust crisp, heat it briefly in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as that could make the crust soggy and affect the luscious filling texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?

While ricotta is traditional and gives the pie its creamy texture, you can experiment with fresh farmer’s cheese or mascarpone. Just keep in mind these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor and consistency.

Is this pie very sweet?

This Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe has a gentle sweetness, balanced by the natural honey and hint of lemon zest. It’s not overpowering but delightfully sweet enough to feel like a treat, perfect for those who enjoy subtle desserts.

Can I make the crust gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. The texture might differ a bit, but with careful handling, you’ll still have a delicious crust.

What is the best way to drain ricotta for the filling?

Place the ricotta in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined strainer over a bowl in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This removes excess moisture, ensuring a smooth, firm filling that bakes up perfectly.

Can I add other spices to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth and complexity. Just remember that the cinnamon dusting at the end complements the honey beautifully, so balance any spices accordingly.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite as satisfying as biting into a slice of homemade Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe, where every ingredient shines and each moment spent baking becomes a joyful experience. Whether you’re new to Greek desserts or a longtime fan, this pie’s creamy filling, honeyed sweetness, and buttery crust will have you coming back for more. So, roll up your sleeves and make this lovely pie your next kitchen adventure—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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