Golden Greek Honey Pie, known traditionally as Melopita, is a classic Mediterranean dessert that captures the essence of Greek baking: simple ingredients, natural sweetness, and timeless technique. Made with creamy cheese, fragrant honey, and bright citrus notes, this pie is delicate, lightly sweet, and deeply comforting without being heavy.

Unlike dense cheesecakes or pastry-based pies, Melopita is crustless, relying instead on eggs and flour for structure. The result is a soft, custard-like interior with a lightly golden top that slices beautifully once cooled. Honey provides both sweetness and depth, while lemon zest adds freshness that keeps each bite balanced.

This dessert originated on the Greek island of Sifnos, where local honey and cheese were abundant. Over time, it became a staple dessert throughout Greece, enjoyed year-round but especially during spring and summer when lighter desserts are favored.

What Makes Greek Honey Pie Unique

Greek honey pie stands apart from other baked desserts due to its simplicity. There is no crust to prepare, no complex layering, and no heavy sugar load. Honey replaces refined sugar almost entirely, giving the pie floral notes and natural complexity.

The cheese base, often ricotta or a mild Greek-style cheese, adds creaminess without the density of cream cheese. Olive oil, rather than butter, is traditionally used, keeping the texture tender and the flavor unmistakably Mediterranean.

Ingredients

Ricotta cheese or Greek-style soft cheese
Large eggs
Honey
All-purpose flour
Olive oil
Lemon zest
Vanilla extract
Salt
Sesame seeds, for topping
Extra honey, for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round 9-inch baking pan or springform pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese and honey until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in olive oil, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt.
Gently fold in flour until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the surface.
Bake for 40–45 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden.
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before slicing.
Drizzle with additional honey just before serving.

Honey: The Heart of Melopita

Honey is more than just a sweetener in Greek honey pie—it is the star ingredient. Traditional Greek thyme honey is often used for its bold aroma and herbal notes, but any high-quality honey works beautifully. The honey flavor intensifies as the pie bakes, creating a naturally sweet dessert without overwhelming richness.

Warming the honey slightly before mixing helps it incorporate smoothly into the batter.

Tips for Perfect Greek Honey Pie

Use full-fat cheese: This ensures a creamy texture and rich mouthfeel.
Cool completely: The pie firms up as it cools, making clean slices possible.
Do not overbake: A slight jiggle in the center is ideal.
Serve at room temperature: This allows the honey flavor to fully bloom.

Variations

Orange zest instead of lemon: For a warmer citrus note
Cinnamon-spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter
Nut topping: Replace sesame seeds with chopped pistachios or walnuts
Dairy-free adaptation: Use plant-based ricotta alternatives

Serving Suggestions

Golden Greek Honey Pie pairs beautifully with Greek coffee, herbal tea, or fresh berries. For a more indulgent presentation, serve with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or thick Greek yogurt. It also works exceptionally well as a brunch dessert or light finish to a Mediterranean-style meal.

Cultural Context

Melopita reflects the Greek philosophy of letting quality ingredients shine. Rooted in island cooking traditions, this dessert showcases how honey, cheese, and eggs—staples of rural kitchens—can be transformed into something elegant and celebratory without excess.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

Store Greek honey pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors deepen after the first day, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Golden Greek Honey Pie is proof that dessert does not need to be complicated to be memorable. With its gentle sweetness, creamy texture, and cultural heritage, Melopita earns its place among the world’s most enduring and beloved baked desserts.