Name: Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 cups ricotta cheese (or Greek mizithra, if available); 1/2 cup honey, plus extra for drizzling; 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

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Why You’ll Love Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe

You’ll love Melopita for its pure, wholesome flavors and effortless preparation. Made without a crust, this pie is light yet satisfying, with a soft, airy texture and subtle floral sweetness from the honey. It’s a wonderful dessert for spring and summer gatherings, and pairs beautifully with a dusting of cinnamon, a drizzle of extra honey, or fresh fruit on top. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and requires only a handful of simple ingredients.

Ingredients

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

Ricotta cheese or Greek mizithra cheese
Honey
Eggs
All-purpose flour (optional, for structure)
Vanilla extract or lemon zest
Ground cinnamon (for topping)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a round baking dish or pie pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta (or mizithra) cheese, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract (or lemon zest) until smooth and creamy.
If desired, add a small amount of flour to help the pie set with a slightly firmer texture.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the pie is golden on top and just set in the center.
Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before slicing.
Serve with a drizzle of honey and a light dusting of cinnamon.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 8 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Lemon Twist: Add extra lemon zest or a touch of juice for a brighter flavor.
Orange Blossom: Replace vanilla with a splash of orange blossom water for a floral aroma.
Cheese Options: Use mascarpone or cream cheese for a creamier, denser texture.
Topping Ideas: Try topping with toasted almonds, pistachios, or fresh berries.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Melopita in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. It can be enjoyed cold or gently warmed in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve its delicate texture. This pie also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQs

1. What does Melopita mean?

Melopita translates to “honey pie” in Greek, combining “meli” (honey) and “pita” (pie).

2. Can I make this recipe without flour?

Yes, the flour is optional and mainly helps the pie hold its shape. Without it, you’ll get a softer, custard-like texture.

3. Can I use feta cheese instead of ricotta?

Feta isn’t recommended because it’s too salty. Use ricotta, mizithra, or a mild, soft cheese instead.

4. How sweet is Melopita?

It has a gentle, natural sweetness from the honey, not overly sugary.

5. Can I make Melopita ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.

6. What’s the best honey to use?

A mild, floral honey such as thyme or wildflower honey enhances the Greek flavor beautifully.

7. How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden, and the center should jiggle slightly but not be liquid.

8. Can I serve it warm?

Yes, it’s delicious both warm and chilled. Many prefer it cool with a drizzle of honey.

9. Is Melopita gluten-free?

Yes, if you omit the flour or use a gluten-free alternative, it’s completely gluten-free.

10. What can I serve alongside it?

Pair it with Greek yogurt, fresh figs, or seasonal fruit for a perfect dessert spread.

Conclusion

Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) is a simple, elegant dessert that captures the essence of Mediterranean sweetness. With its creamy texture, subtle honey flavor, and golden finish, it’s a beautiful representation of Greek home baking. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a touch of fruit and cinnamon, this pie brings a taste of Greece to your table with every delightful bite.