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Melopita Recipe The Authentic Greek Honey Pie You’ll Love Recipe

Melopita Recipe The Authentic Greek Honey Pie You’ll Love Recipe

5.2 from 26 reviews

Melopita is a traditional Greek honey pie known for its creamy ricotta base, subtle sweetness from honey, and delightful hints of lemon and vanilla. This comforting dessert offers a custard-like texture when served warm, or a firmer slice when chilled, making it a versatile treat that beautifully showcases the flavors of authentic Greek honey and fresh ricotta cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 500g (about 2 cups) fresh ricotta cheese or anthotyro
  • 3 large eggs
  • 100g (⅓ cup) high-quality honey (preferably Greek thyme honey)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or a pinch of vanilla powder)
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Optional Toppings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for dusting
  • extra honey, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cheese base: In a large bowl, whisk the ricotta until smooth. If the cheese is wet or grainy, strain it for 30 minutes beforehand to achieve a silkier texture, which ensures a creamier pie.
  2. Add eggs and honey: Whisk in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them and create a smooth mixture. Then pour in the honey and vanilla extract, whisking continuously until the mixture is uniform and glossy.
  3. Add lemon zest: Gently stir in the lemon zest. This brightens the pie and balances the sweetness with a fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
  4. Bake: Pour the batter into a lightly greased or parchment-lined 8–9 inch round baking dish, smoothing the top evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the pie is lightly golden and just set in the center but still slightly jiggly.
  5. Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing. Dust with ground cinnamon and drizzle with extra honey if desired. Serve warm for a custard-like texture or chill for 2–3 hours for a firmer slice. Enjoy your authentic Greek honey pie!

Notes

  • Straining the ricotta cheese improves the texture by removing excess moisture.
  • Greek thyme honey is preferred for its distinctive floral notes but any high-quality mild honey will work.
  • The pie can be enjoyed warm or chilled depending on your texture preference.
  • Adding a light dusting of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey enhances the traditional Greek flavor profile.
  • Use fresh lemon zest for the best citrus aroma; avoid the white pith to prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Melopita, Greek honey pie, ricotta cheese dessert, traditional Greek dessert, honey custard pie, lemon honey pie, Greek baking