Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Golden Greek Honey Pie, also known as Melopita, is a luscious, honey-infused dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of Greece. This pie features a soft, velvety filling made with Greek yogurt, honey, and eggs, all nestled in a crispy, buttery crust. The sweetness from the honey is balanced with a tangy kick from the yogurt, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Simple yet elegant, this pie is a wonderful treat for special occasions, or anytime you crave a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt (full-fat)
- 1/2 cup honey (preferably Greek honey)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for a citrusy kick)
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a store-bought pie crust, lightly bake it for 5-7 minutes before filling to ensure it doesn’t become soggy.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. If using lemon zest, add it to the mixture for a subtle citrus flavor.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the yogurt-honey mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden on top. The filling should be firm to the touch, but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish (optional). Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Nut Topping: Add toasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts on top of the pie before baking for added crunch and flavor.
- Fruit Garnish: Serve the pie with fresh fruits like figs, berries, or citrus slices for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free pie crust to make this dessert gluten-free. You can also make a crustless version by baking the filling in ramekins for a more pudding-like consistency.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pie tastes great chilled, but you can also let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer your pie warm, gently heat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade crust for this pie?
Yes, you can definitely use a homemade pie crust for a more personalized touch. A buttery, flaky crust pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
Is this pie very sweet?
The sweetness in this pie comes from the honey, but it’s balanced with the tanginess of Greek yogurt. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of honey to suit your taste.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this pie a day ahead. Just refrigerate it once it’s fully cooled, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
What other types of honey can I use?
While Greek honey is ideal for its rich flavor, you can substitute with any honey you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly depending on the type of honey you use.
Can I add a fruit layer to this pie?
Yes, you can add a layer of fruit on top before baking or serve it fresh on the side. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, or figs pair wonderfully with the honey pie.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
To make this pie dairy-free, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and use a dairy-free pie crust. The heavy cream can be replaced with coconut cream or another plant-based alternative.
Can I add more spices to this pie?
Absolutely! You can experiment with spices such as clove, allspice, or even a hint of vanilla bean for a unique twist on the traditional flavors.
What should I serve with this pie?
This pie is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh fruit to balance out the richness.
Can I make this pie without eggs?
Yes, you can make this pie without eggs by using an egg substitute like flax eggs or chia eggs. This will give the filling a slightly different texture but still work well.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the edges are golden, the center is firm but slightly wobbly, and the filling is set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean or with only a few crumbs attached.
Conclusion
Golden Greek Honey Pie is a delightful dessert that blends the smooth, creamy texture of Greek yogurt with the warm, sweet notes of honey and a perfectly baked crust. This easy-to-make pie is a beautiful way to end any meal, whether for a holiday celebration or a simple family dinner. With its simple ingredients and deliciously unique flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Golden Greek Honey Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden Greek Honey Pie is a delicious, decadent dessert with a rich, honey-sweetened filling and a buttery, flaky crust. Infused with the flavors of Greece, this dessert is the perfect combination of sweet honey, warm spices, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. A perfect treat for any occasion, especially for those who enjoy Mediterranean-inspired desserts
Ingredients
-
For the Crust:
-
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
-
1/4 cup powdered sugar
-
1-2 tbsp cold water (as needed to bring the dough together)
-
-
For the Filling:
-
1 cup honey (Greek honey preferred)
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
-
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
-
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, to thicken the filling)
-
-
For the Topping:
-
1/4 cup chopped pistachios or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
-
A drizzle of honey (for garnish, optional)
-
- Ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
In a food processor, pulse the flour, butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together.
-
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, form it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
-
Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish. Press the dough into the edges and trim any excess.
-
Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
-
-
Prepare the Filling:
-
In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to combine.
-
Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it begins to thicken and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). If using cornstarch, dissolve it in a small amount of water and add it to the mixture to help it thicken.
-
Once the filling has thickened, remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
-
Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden. Let the pie cool completely.
-
-
Serve:
-
Once the pie has cooled to room temperature, garnish with chopped pistachios or walnuts and a light drizzle of honey. Optionally, dust with ground cinnamon for extra flavor.
-
- Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
-
For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of honey and maple syrup in the filling.
-
If you want a crispier crust, you can blind-bake the crust before adding the filling.
-
Greek honey has a distinctive taste that pairs perfectly with the spices, but any good quality honey can be used.
This pie is best served chilled for a few hours after baking to allow the filling to fully set.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Greek Cuisine
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
