Description
Experience the comforting flavors of a traditional Greek dessert with this Golden Greek Honey Pie Melopita. This luscious, creamy confection is perfect for any occasion, capturing the essence of Greek hospitality.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup cold, diced butter
- 1 egg yolk
- 2–3 tablespoons ice-cold water or milk
- 2 cups full-fat ricotta cheese or drained mizithra cheese
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup good quality honey
- ½ cup water
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- Strip of lemon peel (avoiding the white pith)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cut in ½ cup of cold, diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 1 egg yolk and 2-3 tablespoons of ice-cold water (or milk), mixing just until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the dish, trim the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork. Blind bake the crust for about 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
- Make the Creamy Filling: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of full-fat ricotta cheese (or drained mizithra), ½ cup of granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and the zest of 1 lemon. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the prepared cheese filling evenly into your cooled, pre-baked pie crust. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. The center should have a slight jiggle.
- Prepare the Honey Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of good quality honey, ½ cup of water, one small cinnamon stick, and a strip of lemon peel. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the honey is fully dissolved and the syrup is slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick and lemon peel. Keep the syrup warm.
- Drench and Delight: As soon as you remove the hot pie from the oven, immediately spoon or pour the warm honey syrup all over the top.
- Cool and Serve: Let your Golden Greek Honey Pie cool completely at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours. Once cooled, you can transfer it to the refrigerator for further chilling if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Ensure to drain your ricotta or mizithra cheese if it seems wet to avoid a watery filling. Use high-quality Greek honey for the best flavor. Allow the pie to cool completely for better texture and flavor melding.