Description
Golden Greek Honey Pie, or Melopita, is a light, crustless Greek dessert made with creamy ricotta or anthotyro cheese, sweet floral honey, and fragrant lemon zest. Originating from the island of Sifnos, it’s naturally sweetened, easy to prepare, and perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ricotta or anthotyro cheese
3 large eggs
1/3 cup honey (plus extra for drizzling)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, eggs, honey, lemon zest, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Beat the mixture with a whisk or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pie dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is just set.
- Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with additional honey if desired.
Notes
You can substitute ricotta with mizithra or a mix of Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
Try orange zest instead of lemon for a deeper citrus note.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a spiced version.
Top with crushed pistachios or almonds for texture.
Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
