Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Golden Greek Honey Pie because it’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispy, buttery phyllo dough contrasts beautifully with the creamy, spiced semolina filling. The warm honey glaze adds a lovely sweetness, and the toasted sesame seeds give a delightful crunch. This dessert is incredibly easy to make but looks and tastes like something straight from a Mediterranean bakery. It’s perfect for any occasion, especially when you want something light yet indulgent.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Prepare the Phyllo Crust: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the greased baking dish and brush generously with melted butter. Repeat this step with 6 more sheets of phyllo, stacking them neatly one on top of the other.

Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together semolina, eggs, sugar, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and fully combined. Pour the mixture over the phyllo base in the baking dish.

Add the Final Phyllo Layer: Top the semolina filling with the remaining sheet of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with butter. Lightly score the top of the pie with a knife to make slicing easier after baking.

Bake the Pie: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pie is set. The filling should be firm and the phyllo crispy.

Cool and Glaze: Let the pie cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the warm honey over the pie and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Serve: Slice the pie and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes 6 servings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can add a bit more honey to the glaze, or use a sweetened variety of phyllo dough.

Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, you can incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds into the semolina filling or sprinkle them over the top.

Flavor Tweaks: If you’re a fan of citrus, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest to the filling for a zesty kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to warm through.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought phyllo dough?

Yes, store-bought phyllo dough works perfectly. Just be sure to thaw it completely before using, following the package instructions.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This pie can be made the day before and stored in the fridge. It will still taste delicious and can be served cold or at room temperature.

Can I use a different type of flour for the filling?

Semolina flour is key to achieving the traditional texture of the filling, so I wouldn’t recommend substituting it. If you can’t find semolina, you could try using fine cornmeal as an alternative, though the texture will differ slightly.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The pie is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set (not jiggly). You can test by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean when the pie is done.

Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze the pie! After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and serve chilled or reheat.

Conclusion

This Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is a delightful and simple dessert with a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors. The buttery phyllo dough, rich semolina filling, and sweet honey glaze create an irresistible combination that’s sure to impress your guests. It’s a dessert that’s easy to make, but one that feels indulgent and sophisticated. Enjoy it at any gathering or just as a special treat to enjoy at home!

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