Description
Golden Honey & Ricotta Pie (Melopita) is a traditional Greek dessert combining creamy ricotta cheese with the natural sweetness of golden honey. This rich, custard-like pie features warm spices and a tender buttery crust or can be made crustless for simplicity. Perfect for any occasion, it offers a delicate balance of flavors and a smooth, melting texture that delights every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 500g ricotta cheese, at room temperature
- 120ml golden honey
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 50g all-purpose flour (or almond/gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
- 50g unsalted butter, softened (for crust or base)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Variations & Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- Toasted walnuts or pistachios for topping (optional)
- Maple syrup or agave nectar as honey alternatives
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for infusing honey or custard (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all ingredients at room temperature to ensure smooth blending of ricotta and eggs, and even cooking throughout the pie.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, golden honey, beaten eggs, flour, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk gently until the mixture is silky and well incorporated without lumps.
- Prepare the Crust or Base: For a buttery crust, blend softened butter and flour, then press the mixture evenly into the pie dish. Alternatively, grease the pan well for a crustless version.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the filling over the crust or directly into the greased pie dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) until the top turns golden brown and the filling is set but slightly wobbly in the center, approximately 40-50 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature to deepen flavors and firm the texture before slicing. Garnish with honey drizzle, cinnamon, or toasted nuts as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ricotta for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Stir gently after adding eggs to avoid excess air that can cause cracking.
- Place the pie in the center of the oven to ensure even baking.
- If using a crust, cover edges with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
- Cool completely before slicing for clean cuts and ideal consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Golden Honey Ricotta Pie, Melopita, Greek dessert, ricotta pie, honey pie, gluten free pie, creamy dessert
