Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood at the kitchen counter, the sweet aroma of warm honey wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. There’s something incredibly inviting about the tradition of making a Golden Greek Honey Pie, or Melopita, that wraps you in a cozy embrace with each heavenly bite. This delightful dessert masterfully combines crisp phyllo dough with a creamy, spiced semolina filling, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or a sweet escape any day of the week. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it also offers a beautiful balance of textures, from flaky layers to a luscious, custard-like interior. Plus, with options to easily adapt it to your dietary needs—whether dairy-free or gluten-free—this recipe invites everyone to indulge. Are you ready to bring a piece of Greece into your home? Why Is Golden Greek Honey Pie Special? Irresistible flavors: The gorgeous blend of honey, cinnamon, and toasted sesame sends your taste buds on a Mediterranean adventure. Unique texture: Enjoy the contrast of flaky phyllo and creamy semolina filling that melts in your mouth. Easy to customize: Whether you’re craving a traditional treat or need a vegan option, adapting this pie is a breeze! Consider making a delightful Honey Butter Chicken for dinner before indulging in dessert. Perfect for sharing: Bring this stunning pie to gatherings, and watch it disappear in no time, leaving everyone wanting more! Golden Greek Honey Pie Ingredients • Here’s what you need to create this delightful dessert! For the Phyllo Base Phyllo Dough – Provides a crispy base and fragile layers; keep it covered with a damp cloth to maintain moisture. Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and ensures golden, flaky layers; substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free version. For the Creamy Filling Semolina Flour – The heart of the creamy filling, giving it structure; ground rice can be used for a gluten-free alternative. Eggs – Binds the filling for a custard-like texture; flax eggs are a great vegan substitute. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the filling perfectly; feel free to adjust according to your preference. Whole Milk – Contributes to the filling’s creaminess; almond or coconut milk works for dairy-free options. For the Spices Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warm, aromatic flavors into the filling; a dash of nutmeg enhances the taste further. Ground Nutmeg – Complements cinnamon with aromatic complexity; it’s optional, but recommended for depth. Salt – Balances the overall sweetness for a well-rounded flavor. For the Glaze and Topping Honey – Drizzle over the finished pie for a beautiful shine and sweetness; use maple syrup or agave for a vegan version. Toasted Sesame Seeds – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor on top, elevating your Golden Greek Honey Pie! Now, let’s dive into creating this delicious Mediterranean treat together! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Golden Greek Honey Pie Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your baking dish. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter to ensure the Golden Greek Honey Pie comes out smoothly. This first step sets the stage for a warm, inviting baking environment that will enhance the flavors of your pie as it bakes. Step 2: Layer the Phyllo Unroll the phyllo dough, carefully placing one sheet in the greased baking dish. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the sheet with melted butter, adding another layer, and repeating this process for a total of 7 sheets. As you build these layers, you’ll create a wonderfully crispy base that complements the luscious filling of your Golden Greek Honey Pie. Step 3: Prepare the Filling In a mixing bowl, whisk together semolina flour, eggs, granulated sugar, whole milk, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy filling will be the heart of your pie, combining rich flavors that offer a warm touch of the Mediterranean. Allow the filling to sit for a moment while you prepare to assemble the pie. Step 4: Assemble the Pie Carefully pour the creamy filling over the layered phyllo in your baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. To finish assembling your Golden Greek Honey Pie, lay another phyllo sheet on top of the filling, brushing it with melted butter to create a flaky, golden crust that will contrast beautifully with the soft interior. Step 5: Bake the Pie Using a sharp knife, score the top layers of the phyllo lightly in a crisscross pattern to make slicing easier after baking. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set and puffed. Keep an eye on it toward the end to ensure perfect browning without burning. Step 6: Finish and Serve After removing your Golden Greek Honey Pie from the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. While it’s still warm, drizzle it generously with honey, allowing the sweetness to seep into the layers. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch, enhancing both appearance and flavor. Your pie is now ready to be sliced and served! Expert Tips for Golden Greek Honey Pie Phyllo Protection: Keep each sheet of phyllo covered with a damp kitchen towel while you work; this prevents drying out and ensures a crispy texture. Scoring Technique: Lightly score the top of the pie before baking for easy slicing later, but avoid cutting all the way through to the creamy filling. Watch the Bake: Keep a close eye on the pie during the last few minutes of baking to ensure golden-brown perfection; it can go from beautifully baked to burnt quickly! Chill Time: Allow the pie to cool for at least 10 minutes before drizzling with honey and sprinkling sesame seeds; this helps the filling set and enhances flavors. Customization: Feel free to swap out honey for maple syrup for a vegan version of this delightful Golden Greek Honey Pie; it maintains the sweetness without sacrificing taste. What to Serve with Golden Greek Honey Pie? Elevate your dessert experience by pairing this delightful Mediterranean treat with complementary flavors and textures. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Creamy yogurt topped with fresh fruits and nuts adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet pie. Lemon Sorbet: A zesty sorbet cleanses the palate, balancing the rich honey and spices of the pie with a refreshing touch. Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavor of coffee enhances the pie’s sweetness while providing a delightful after-dinner lift. Fresh Berries: Juicy berries add a burst of freshness and acidity, perfectly counterbalancing the warm, rich flavors of the pie. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti makes for a delightful dipping companion, enhancing the Mediterranean theme of your dessert. Mint Tea: Light and fragrant mint tea serves as a soothing complement, rounding out your meal while echoing Mediterranean traditions. Choose a few of these pairings, and let your guests enjoy the ultimate sweet escape! How to Store and Freeze Golden Greek Honey Pie Fridge: Store your Golden Greek Honey Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the pie fresh while maintaining its delicious flavors. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or warm the whole pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, drizzling with honey again for extra sweetness. Make Ahead Options These Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the phyllo layers and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply layer the phyllo as directed and prepare the creamy filling, but instead of baking, cover the assembled pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, preheat the oven and bake the pie from cold; just be sure to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time for perfect results. This way, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade dessert with minimal effort on the day of your gathering—perfect for meal planning and entertaining! Golden Greek Honey Pie Variations Embrace the opportunity to tailor your Golden Greek Honey Pie to suit your taste buds and dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond or coconut milk and use vegan butter for a creamy filling without dairy. The flavors remain rich and indulgent while accommodating your preferences. Gluten-Free: Replace semolina flour with ground rice for a deliciously smooth filling that caters to gluten sensitivities. This adjustment ensures everyone can enjoy this Mediterranean treat! Vegan Delight: Use flax eggs instead of traditional eggs, and swap honey with maple syrup or agave for a sweet, plant-based version. Vegan adaptations can still deliver that irresistible taste. Nutty Additions: Enhance the flavor with finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds mixed into the filling. The crunch balances beautifully against the creamy texture, creating an exciting experience. Spice Infusion: Experiment with flavors by adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling. This twist introduces a warming depth that dances on your palate. Cinnamon Swirl: Enhance the cinnamon notes by sprinkling additional ground cinnamon between your phyllo layers. The extra spice adds a comforting aroma that will fill your kitchen. Fruit Twist: Consider incorporating fresh berries or sliced apples into the filling before baking. The sweet fruit adds juicy bursts and complements the honey glaze wonderfully. If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth in other ways, try the delightful Honey Cheesecake Salted or, for a savory option, serve alongside a delicious Zucchini Onion Pie as a delightful contrast. Enjoy creating your own inspired version of the Golden Greek Honey Pie! Golden Greek Honey Pie Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right phyllo dough? Absolutely! When selecting phyllo dough, look for fresh options that feel pliable without tearing easily. If purchasing frozen, ensure it’s well-frozen without any dark spots; this indicates freshness. Keep it covered with a damp cloth while using to prevent drying out, as keeping it moist is key. How should I store the Golden Greek Honey Pie? The pie should be stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh for about 3 days, allowing you to enjoy its flavors without losing quality. Can I freeze Golden Greek Honey Pie? Very! To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for extra protection. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm the whole pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. What can I do if my filling doesn’t set properly? If you find that your filling isn’t setting properly, it may be due to underbaking. Make sure to bake the pie until the top is golden brown and the filling is set, which typically takes about 40-45 minutes. If you want extra assurance, inserting a toothpick or knife into the center should come out clean or slightly moist, indicating that it has set well. Is Golden Greek Honey Pie safe for those with nut allergies? Yes, it can be made nut-free! Just be sure to omit any nuts from the recipe and toppings. If you’re also using nut milk alternatives for a dairy-free version, ensure they don’t contain any nuts to cater to those with allergies. Can I substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions? Absolutely! You can substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free option. For a gluten-free version, swap semolina flour with ground rice, and opt for flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Just be mindful of the texture and adjust baking times if needed. Feel free to adapt the recipe based on your needs! Golden Greek Honey Pie: Your Sweet Escape to Flavor Town No ratings yet Golden Greek Honey Pie is a delightful dessert that combines crispy phyllo dough with creamy semolina filling, offering a cozy Mediterranean experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: MediterraneanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Phyllo Base1 package Phyllo Dough Keep covered with a damp cloth to maintain moisture.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Can substitute with vegan butter for dairy-free.For the Creamy Filling1 cup Semolina Flour Ground rice can be used for gluten-free alternative.3 large Eggs Flax eggs can be used for a vegan substitute.1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Adjust according to your preference.2 cups Whole Milk Almond or coconut milk works for dairy-free options.For the Spices1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon A dash of nutmeg enhances the taste.1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Optional but recommended for depth.1/4 teaspoon Salt Balances the overall sweetness.For the Glaze and Topping1/2 cup Honey Use maple syrup or agave for a vegan version.1/4 cup Toasted Sesame Seeds Adds a delightful crunch. Equipment 9x13-inch baking dishMixing Bowlpastry brushsharp knife Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted butter.Unroll the phyllo dough and place one sheet in the baking dish, coat with melted butter; repeat this for a total of 7 sheets.In a mixing bowl, whisk together semolina flour, eggs, sugar, whole milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.Pour the creamy filling over the phyllo layers and spread it evenly. Lay another phyllo sheet on top, brushing with butter.Score the top layers of the phyllo lightly in a crisscross pattern, then bake for about 40-45 minutes until golden brown.Let the pie cool for about 10 minutes, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg NotesTo ensure a crispy texture, keep each phyllo sheet covered with a damp kitchen towel while working. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
