Golden Greek Honey Pie
There’s nothing quite like the golden, sticky goodness of a traditional Greek dessert to make your day feel just a little bit brighter.
And today, we’re diving into one of my all-time favorites—Greek Melopita , or honey pie.
This sweet treat is simplicity at its finest: layers of flaky phyllo dough, a creamy filling infused with warm spices, and a drizzle of honey that ties it all together.
Whether you’re serving this up for an afternoon snack or as the grand finale to a dinner party, trust me when I say, this pie will steal the show .
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Step 1: Prepare Your Phyllo Layers
Start by brushing each sheet of phyllo dough generously with melted butter before layering them in your baking dish. The butter not only adds richness but also ensures the phyllo bakes up golden and crispy. Work quickly to prevent the phyllo from drying out—keep the unused sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel. Layer the sheets evenly, pressing down lightly to help them adhere to the dish. Once you’ve built your base, set it aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Semolina Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, eggs, sugar, milk, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until it’s smooth and free of lumps—it should have a pourable consistency, similar to thick pancake batter. The semolina will thicken slightly as it cooks, so don’t worry if the mixture seems a bit loose at this stage. Take a moment to inhale the warm, spiced aroma—it’s a sneak preview of the deliciousness to come!
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Pour the creamy semolina mixture evenly over the prepared phyllo base, spreading it gently with a spatula to ensure an even layer. This filling will bake into a rich, custard-like texture that perfectly complements the crisp phyllo. If you’re feeling fancy, tap the baking dish lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles. Now, carefully top the filling with a final layer of butter-brushed phyllo sheets, pressing down gently to seal everything together. For easier slicing later, use a sharp knife to lightly score the top phyllo into diamond or square shapes.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Fragrant
Pop the assembled pie into the preheated oven and let it bake until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling slightly and the whole kitchen smells like warm spices and buttery goodness. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning the phyllo. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly—this allows the filling to firm up and makes slicing much easier.
Step 5: Finish with Honey and Sesame Seeds
While the pie is still warm, drizzle it generously with honey, letting it seep into the scored lines and pool slightly around the edges. The honey adds a sticky-sweet glaze that ties all the flavors together. For a finishing touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top—they add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that balances the sweetness. Serve the melopita warm or at room temperature for the ultimate comfort dessert experience.
Pro Tips
- Keep your phyllo covered : To prevent it from drying out while working, keep the unused sheets under a damp kitchen towel.
- Toast your sesame seeds : For added depth of flavor, toast the sesame seeds briefly in a dry skillet before sprinkling them on top.
- Use quality honey : Since honey is the star here, opt for a high-quality variety like wildflower or thyme honey for the best results.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days; reheat slices in the oven for best texture.
- Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 month.
Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)
Description
This Greek Melopita (Honey Pie) is a heavenly dessert featuring layers of buttery phyllo dough and a spiced semolina filling, all brought together with a luscious honey glaze. Simple to make yet bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Lay one sheet of phyllo in the dish and brush generously with melted butter. Repeat with 6 more sheets, stacking them neatly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together semolina, eggs, sugar, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Pour the mixture over the phyllo base.
- Top with the remaining phyllo sheet, brushing with butter between each layer. Score the top lightly with a knife.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Drizzle warmed honey over the pie and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 22g
- Protein 6g12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use a sharp knife to score the pie before baking for easier slicing afterward.
- If using store-bought phyllo, thaw it completely according to package instructions.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey based on personal preference.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
