Name: Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 73 reviews

If you’ve ever tasted a dessert so comforting, so warmly inviting, you wished it could be your forever favorite, then get ready to meet your new obsession: the Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe. This traditional Greek treat layers delicate phyllo dough with a rich, creamy semolina custard, all beautifully spiced and finished with a drizzle of sweet, golden honey and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors that feels like a cozy hug on a plate—crispy, creamy, lightly spiced, and sweet, all at once. Whether you’re looking for a dessert that dazzles at family gatherings or simply want to treat yourself, this pie will not disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl in the center filled with a mound of white flour, surrounded by several small dishes and containers with different ingredients on a white marbled texture surface. Behind it to the right is a small brown bowl holding four brown eggs. In front of the eggs is a small glass jar of golden honey. To the right front is a basket lined with white cloth holding thin white flat sheets folded loosely. On the left side, from bottom to middle, are a small dark plate with light sesame seeds, a small brown bowl with light brown sesame seeds, a beige bowl with reddish-brown powder, a clear glass bowl filled with light brown powder, and a reddish-brown small bowl with white granulated sugar. The background and surface have a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients come together to create something truly special here. Each element is key, from the crisp phyllo that gives texture, to the semolina that lends a rich, custardy body, balanced with warm spices and the floral sweetness of honey. Let’s break down the essentials.

Phyllo dough: The delicate, flaky layers that create the perfect crisp shell for our custard filling.
Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed generously to ensure every phyllo sheet bakes up golden and rich.
Semolina flour: Adds a lovely grainy texture and bulk to the custard, making it satisfyingly dense yet smooth.
Eggs: Help set the filling so it’s firm but creamy, giving the pie structure.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough without overpowering the honey’s natural flavor.
Whole milk: Creates the creamy base for the custard, ensuring a luscious mouthfeel.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm spice note that complements the honey and semolina beautifully.
Ground nutmeg: Adds subtle complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
Honey: Warmed and drizzled on top for that trademark Greek sweetness and sticky glaze.
Sesame seeds: Toasted for a nutty crunch that contrasts the smooth custard and flaky phyllo.

How to Make Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot and ready to give your pie that perfect golden bake. Don’t forget to grease your 9×13-inch baking dish well—this little step helps your pie slide out easily and prevents sticking, maintaining those beautiful layers intact.

Step 2: Layer the Phyllo with Butter

Lay one sheet of phyllo dough into the baking dish and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this process with six more sheets, creating a buttery, flaky base. This layering is what gives the pie its signature crunch and flaky texture, so go slow and steady, making sure each layer is fully coated to bake crisp and golden.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard Filling

In a bowl, whisk the semolina flour, eggs, sugar, whole milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until everything is beautifully smooth and combined. This mixture will settle into the phyllo layers and create a luscious, custard-like filling that’s subtly spiced and deliciously creamy once baked.

Step 4: Pour in the Filling and Top with More Phyllo

Pour your custard mixture over the phyllo base, spreading it evenly. Then top with the last phyllo sheet, brushing each layer with butter. Once completed, lightly score the top of the pie with a knife. This helps the heat penetrate evenly and gives a nice finishing detail to your dessert.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake your pie for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the custard filling has set firm. At this stage, your kitchen will be filled with the inviting scents of warm spices and butter—a telltale sign that your Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe is nearly ready to enjoy.

Step 6: Drizzle Honey and Sprinkle Sesame Seeds

Once out of the oven, allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes. Warm the honey and drizzle it generously over the top, followed by a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds. The honey melts slightly into the warm pie, creating a sticky, shiny glaze that’s the signature finish to this traditional treat.

How to Serve Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe

A white bowl filled with smooth, light beige batter that has a creamy texture, with some batter streaks clinging to the inside sides of the bowl. A metal whisk is resting inside the batter, slightly lifted, showing thin lines of batter on its wires. In the background, there is a glass jar with a brown powder inside and a metal measuring spoon on a light wooden surface. The whole scene is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A final touch can elevate your pie beautifully—consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra toasted sesame seeds. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream on the side add both contrast and a fresh note against the rich honey and spiced custard.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong Greek coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine like muscat. It’s also fabulous with fresh fruit on the side, such as figs or citrus segments, which provide a bright counterbalance to the sweetness and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual yet charming presentation, serve slices of Melopita on rustic wooden boards or patterned plates. Add a small bowl of extra honey on the side for those who can never get enough drizzle. And for festive occasions, garnish slices with edible gold leaf or chopped pistachios for an elegant Greek-inspired twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to a day, or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps both the phyllo crisp and the custard creamy when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to keep the pie longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pie slices in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to refresh the phyllo’s crispness and warm the custard gently. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the phyllo soggy and the texture less appealing.

FAQs

What makes the Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe different from other Greek pies?

Melopita sets itself apart by combining phyllo’s crispness with a semolina-based custard instead of the typical cheese fillings. The drizzled honey and toasted sesame seeds finish the pie with a sweet, nutty flavor that’s uniquely Greek.

Can I use a different type of honey for this pie?

Absolutely! While traditional Greek thyme honey is ideal, any high-quality honey works beautifully. Just try to choose a flavorful, liquid honey to get that perfect glaze and natural sweetness.

Is it necessary to toast the sesame seeds?

Toasting sesame seeds enhances their nuttiness and crunch, which adds a wonderful contrast to the pie’s smooth filling. You can skip the toasting, but you’ll lose some depth of flavor.

Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on butter, milk, and eggs for its texture and flavor, so it’s challenging to make fully vegan without compromising the custard’s consistency. However, experimenting with plant-based butter, milk alternatives, and egg substitutes might yield an interesting variation.

How do I know when the pie is fully baked?

You’ll want to look for a golden-brown top that feels set and slightly firm to the touch. The custard should not be jiggly anymore but still moist. Scoring the top before baking also helps it cook evenly.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make this golden treasure, it’s time to get baking. The Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe is one of those dishes that brings warmth, tradition, and irresistible flavor all to your table. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite that everyone requests again and again. So, roll up your sleeves, get that honey warmed, and enjoy every bite of this spectacularly sweet and spiced delight!