Description
Golden Greek Honey Pie, known as Melopita, is a delightful traditional Greek dessert featuring layers of buttery phyllo dough filled with a creamy semolina custard, delicately spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, then drizzled with warm honey and topped with toasted sesame seeds. This sweet and aromatic pie offers a perfect balance of crunchy phyllo and smooth filling, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Phyllo Layer
- 8 sheets of phyllo dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 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
Topping
- 1/2 cup honey, warmed
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Layer phyllo dough base: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the bottom of the baking dish and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this process with 6 more sheets, stacking each carefully and brushing butter between layers to create a flaky base.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the semolina flour, eggs, granulated sugar, whole milk, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add filling to phyllo base: Pour the prepared semolina mixture evenly over the layered phyllo sheets in the dish.
- Top with remaining phyllo: Place the last sheet of phyllo dough on top of the filling, brushing it with melted butter. If desired, brush with butter between each layer to ensure crispiness. Lightly score the top layer with a knife to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the pie turns golden brown and the filling is set. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
- Finish with honey and sesame seeds: Drizzle warmed honey evenly over the warm pie, then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Slice into portions and serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Phyllo dough can dry out quickly; keep unused sheets covered with a damp cloth while working.
- Warming the honey makes it easier to drizzle and allows it to soak slightly into the pie.
- To toast sesame seeds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts to the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek honey pie, Melopita, semolina pie, phyllo dessert, traditional Greek dessert, honey and sesame dessert
