Greek Honey Pie
If you are longing for a simple, honest dessert that captures the spirit of Greece, look no further than Melopita, the beloved Greek honey pie. Born on the island of Sifnos, Melopita brings together creamy fresh cheese and fragrant honey in a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean.
Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)
Greek honey pie, or Melopita, is a traditional dessert from the island of Sifnos. Made with creamy ricotta or mizithra cheese and naturally sweetened with honey, this light and crustless pie has a delicate texture and a bright hint of lemon zest. Baked until golden and drizzled with extra honey, it is a simple yet unforgettable Mediterranean treat perfect for celebrations or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 400 grams (about 1 ¾ cups) ricotta or mizithra cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 120 grams (about ½ cup) honey, plus extra for serving
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
<ol><li>Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish.<br/></li><li>In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta or mizithra, eggs, honey, lemon zest, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.<br/></li><li>Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. If you like, sprinkle cinnamon on top for extra flavor.<br/></li><li>Bake for about 45 minutes, until the pie is golden and set, with lightly caramelized edges.<br/></li><li>Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle extra honey on top before serving if desired</li></ol>
Notes
- Greek thyme honey is especially delicious here, but any good-quality honey will work
- You can serve Melopita warm or at room temperature
- A dollop of Greek yogurt pairs beautifully on the side
A Story Steeped in Tradition
In Greek culture, honey has long been treasured as a symbol of prosperity, health, and even divine blessing. Cheese, especially fresh cheese made from sheep or goat milk, has been a household staple in Greek island communities for centuries. On Sifnos, families learned to combine these simple, wholesome ingredients into Melopita, a sweet treat that celebrates life’s blessings.
Traditionally served during Easter and festive gatherings, Melopita did not need fancy decoration or complicated techniques. It was baked with love, using what was on hand, and shared generously with family and friends. Even today, it remains a proud symbol of Greek hospitality and heritage.
Fresh cheese (ricotta or mizithra): Provides a creamy, mild base. For a visual example of this classic Greek honey pie (melopita), check out the Souvlaki For The Soul recipe, which highlights how ricotta and honey come together in a simple, crustless pie.
Ingredients and Tools
Every ingredient in Melopita has a reason for being there. Here is how they work together:
Ingredients
- Fresh cheese (ricotta or mizithra): Provides a creamy, mild base. Ricotta is easy to find, but Greek mizithra is the authentic choice with a slightly tangy, fresh flavor.
- Honey: Adds floral, natural sweetness, and helps create a golden crust on top. Greek thyme honey is especially prized, but any good honey will shine.
- Eggs: Act as a binder, giving the pie structure and a delicate custard-like texture.
- Lemon zest: Lifts the flavor with a touch of bright citrus, balancing the richness of the cheese.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the floral notes of the honey and gives a warm background aroma.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Sprinkled on top, it adds a cozy, spiced finish that many Greek cooks love.
- Pinch of salt: Small but essential, it balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
Some families also bake Melopita in a simple shortcrust pastry, but many prefer it crustless to let the creamy filling shine.
Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Round baking dish (about 9 inches)
- Oven preheated to 350°F (180°C)
- Spatula (optional, for scraping the bowl)
How To Make Greek Honey Pie (Melopita)
Here is a simple and authentic method to bring this Greek treasure to your table:
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a round baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cheese, eggs, honey, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. If you like, sprinkle the top with cinnamon.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, until golden and set. The edges will caramelize slightly thanks to the honey.
- Let cool a little before slicing. Drizzle extra honey over the top if desired.
How to Serve Melopita
Melopita is delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can dust it with a little powdered sugar, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt, or scatter a few fresh berries on the side. It makes a beautiful ending to a Greek-themed meal or a cozy afternoon treat with coffee.
|
While Melopita might remind you of a classic cheesecake because of its creamy, cheese-based filling, the two desserts are quite different in spirit and flavor. Cheesecake is often rich, heavy, and typically sweetened with sugar, sometimes featuring a dense cookie or graham crust. Melopita, on the other hand, is lighter and simpler, sweetened naturally with honey and often baked without a crust. It carries a subtle tang from fresh Greek cheese and a bright hint of lemon zest, creating a more delicate, rustic dessert that feels deeply tied to Greek island traditions. Both are delicious, but Melopita offers a lighter, more naturally sweet taste that celebrates the simple gifts of the Mediterranean. |
Why This Recipe Is So Loved
Melopita is more than just a dessert. It is a slice of Greek tradition, passed down through generations and tied to memories of family, hospitality, and celebration. With only a handful of ingredients, it shows how honest flavors can become something unforgettable.
If you want to explore more about Greek cooking or find other simple Mediterranean desserts, feel free to ask. I would love to help you keep the spirit of Greek island kitchens alive.
More Pie Recipes You Might Love
If you enjoy exploring traditional and comforting pies, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:
These pies bring their own special stories and flavors to the table, just like Melopita, and are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Common Questions
What is a traditional Greek pie? A pita, sweet or savory, often with phyllo pastry or simple batter.
What is a Greek honey puff called? Loukoumades — small honey-soaked fried dough balls.
What is honey pie slang for? A sweet nickname like darling.
What’s special about Greek honey? It has intense herbal-floral notes from wild herbs and flowers unique to Greece.
