Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita): A Taste of the Aegean in Every Bite
If you’ve ever visited the sun-soaked Greek islands, you may have come across a simple yet divine dessert that perfectly captures the sweetness of the Mediterranean — Melopita, also known as Greek Honey Pie.
This golden, crustless pie is a celebration of simplicity. It’s creamy like cheesecake, aromatic with honey and vanilla, and kissed with lemon zest and cinnamon. Originating from the beautiful island of Sifnos, Melopita is made traditionally with anthotyro cheese (similar to ricotta) and sweetened entirely with pure honey — no refined sugar needed.
The result? A dessert that’s light, aromatic, and deeply satisfying without being overly rich. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s a slice of Greek sunshine on a plate.
What Is Melopita?
“Melopita” literally translates to honey pie (“meli” = honey, “pita” = pie). Unlike traditional pies, this Greek version is crustless, baked like a custard, and flavored with only a handful of wholesome ingredients.
Think of it as Greece’s answer to cheesecake — but lighter, brighter, and infused with the floral sweetness of Mediterranean honey.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Dessert
- Authentic and easy: Made with ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Naturally sweetened: Pure honey brings warmth and depth to every bite.
- Lighter than cheesecake: Airy texture that’s both creamy and fluffy.
- Versatile: Delicious served plain, dusted with cinnamon, or drizzled with extra honey.
- Perfect for any occasion: Elegant enough for dinner parties, simple enough for breakfast with yogurt or fruit.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz (450 g) ricotta cheese (or Greek anthotyro, myzithra, or manouri)
- ½ cup (170 g) Greek honey
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)
To Serve
- Extra honey, for drizzling
- Ground cinnamon, for dusting
- Crushed walnuts or almonds (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Butter a 9-inch (23 cm) round baking dish or pie pan generously.
2. Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta (or Greek cheese of choice), honey, eggs, flour, sugar (if using), vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
Whisk until smooth and creamy — the texture should resemble thick pancake batter.
3. Bake the Pie
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set but still a little jiggly.
4. Cool and Serve
Let it cool for 15–20 minutes. It can be served slightly warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Before serving, drizzle generously with honey and dust with ground cinnamon. For a touch of crunch, sprinkle with chopped nuts.
Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and butter a 9-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together ricotta, honey, eggs, flour, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt until smooth.
- Pour batter into baking dish and bake 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with honey, dust with cinnamon, and sprinkle nuts if desired.
The Magic of Greek Honey
In Greece, honey is more than a sweetener — it’s a sacred ingredient, dating back to ancient mythology. Greek honey, especially from thyme or wildflowers, has a rich aroma and deep amber hue that adds complexity to simple desserts like Melopita.
If possible, use authentic Greek honey (such as thyme honey from Crete or Sifnos) for the most traditional flavor.
Variations
- With Phyllo: For a more traditional version, line your baking dish with buttered phyllo sheets, pour the batter inside, and fold the edges over.
- Citrus Twist: Add orange zest instead of lemon for a more aromatic flavor.
- Herbal Infusion: Infuse your honey with rosemary or lavender for a gourmet touch.
- Yogurt Addition: Replace ¼ cup of cheese with thick Greek yogurt for a tangy finish.
- Nut Crust: Use a thin base of crushed almonds or walnuts mixed with honey for texture.
Serving Suggestions
Melopita can be served in many delightful ways:
- Warm, with a drizzle of honey and cinnamon.
- Chilled, topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh figs.
- With roasted nuts and a splash of ouzo or Metaxa for adults.
- As a breakfast treat paired with Greek coffee or herbal tea.
Storage & Make-Ahead
To Store:
Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days. Serve cold or gently warmed in the oven.
To Freeze:
Freeze slices individually wrapped in parchment and foil for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Make Ahead:
Melopita can be baked a day in advance — it tastes even better after resting overnight as the honey flavor deepens.
Tips for Perfect Melopita
- Use good honey. The quality of honey defines this dessert — go for Greek thyme or wildflower honey.
- Don’t overbake. You want a slightly jiggly center; it will firm up as it cools.
- Zest matters. Lemon zest adds brightness that complements the honey’s sweetness.
- Serve with love. Greeks believe that food made with joy tastes better — and Melopita is the perfect dessert to share.
The Story Behind Melopita
Melopita hails from Sifnos, a Cycladic island famous for its pottery, seafood, and timeless desserts. Traditionally, villagers made this pie during spring, when bees produced their first golden honey. The recipe was a simple one — combining local cheese, fresh eggs, and honey from nearby hives.
It’s a dessert that tells a story: of simplicity, sunshine, and connection to nature. Every bite is a reminder that sometimes, less is more.
Nutrition (Per Slice, Approximate)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 9g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90mg
Why Melopita Is the Dessert You Didn’t Know You Needed
In a world of overly complicated desserts, Golden Greek Honey Pie stands out for its honesty. It’s rustic yet elegant, sweet but not cloying, and effortlessly beautiful.
Whether you’re a fan of cheesecakes or just love trying traditional recipes from around the world, Melopita is sure to win your heart. With its creamy texture and irresistible honey aroma, this pie brings the warmth of Greek hospitality straight to your table.
So grab your whisk, a jar of good honey, and let your kitchen smell like the Greek islands. 🇬🇷✨
