Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe

Introduction

Discover the sweet and comforting flavors of Golden Greek Honey Pie, or Melopita. This traditional dessert features a creamy ricotta-based filling lightly sweetened with honey and scented with citrus zest. It’s an effortless pie that offers a delightful balance of richness and subtle spice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Ricotta or Anthotyro Cheese (for a more traditional flavor, substitute with mizithra)
• 3 Eggs (to bind the mixture and add richness)
• 1/2 cup Honey (consider drizzling extra on top just before serving)
• 1 Lemon Zest (can be replaced with orange zest)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (adds depth of flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional; can be omitted or substituted)
• 1 pinch Salt (balances sweetness)
• Optional Topping: 1 tablespoon Powdered Sugar (for dusting before serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch pie dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta or anthotyro cheese, eggs, honey, lemon zest, vanilla extract, salt, and optional cinnamon. Whisk until smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top evenly.
4. Step 4: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown and the center is set.
5. Step 5: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
6. Step 6: Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with extra honey if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture and flavor, top the pie with crushed pistachios or almonds just before serving.
• Substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a milder citrus note.
• If you prefer, omit cinnamon or replace it with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a different spice profile.
• Using mizithra cheese will give a more authentic Greek taste compared to ricotta.

Storage

Store the honey pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes best when chilled and can be gently reheated in a low oven if preferred warm. Be sure to add any powdered sugar or honey drizzle just before serving for the freshest presentation.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese if I can’t find ricotta or anthotyro?

Yes, ricotta is a good substitute for anthotyro, but for the most authentic flavor, mizithra cheese is ideal. If those are unavailable, a mild, fresh farmer’s cheese can also work.

Is the cinnamon necessary?

Cinnamon is optional and used to add a warm note to the filling. You can omit it entirely or replace it with other warming spices like nutmeg or cardamom based on your preference.

Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe

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Enjoy the delightful Golden Greek Honey Pie, also known as Melopita, a traditional Greek dessert featuring a creamy ricotta or anthotyro cheese filling sweetened with honey and flavored with lemon zest and vanilla. Baked to a golden perfection, this luscious pie is perfect as a comforting treat or elegant dessert.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Filling

• 2 cups Ricotta or Anthotyro Cheese (For a more traditional flavor, substitute with mizithra)
• 3 Eggs (Bind the mixture and add richness)
• 1/2 cup Honey (Consider drizzling extra on top just before serving)
• 1 Lemon Zest (Can be replaced with orange zest)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Adds depth of flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (Optional; can be omitted or substituted)
• 1 pinch Salt (Balances sweetness)

Optional Topping

• 1 tablespoon Powdered Sugar (For dusting before serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch pie dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta or anthotyro cheese, eggs, honey, lemon zest, vanilla extract, salt, and optional cinnamon. Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Fill Pie Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared pie dish and smooth out the surface evenly for uniform baking.
4. Bake: Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
5. Cool and Chill: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up the filling and enhance the flavors.
6. Serve: Before serving, dust the pie with powdered sugar and drizzle with additional honey for extra sweetness and presentation. Optional garnishes like crushed pistachios or almonds can be added for texture and flavor.

Notes

• Optional: Top the pie with crushed pistachios or almonds for added texture and flavor.
• Chilling the pie for at least 1 hour before serving improves texture and taste.
• The cinnamon is optional and can be omitted or replaced with other spices according to preference.
• For a more authentic Greek flavor, use mizithra cheese instead of ricotta or anthotyro.

Keywords: Melopita, Greek honey pie, ricotta pie, traditional Greek dessert, honey pie, baked cheese pie