Why Make This Recipe
Golden Greek Honey Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the flaky goodness of phyllo dough with a rich, creamy filling. This pie is inspired by traditional Greek flavors and will surely impress your family and friends. It’s not just a delicious bite, but it also adds a touch of elegance to any gathering. The warm honey drizzle and toasted sesame seeds on top give this dish a unique taste that reflects the sunny Mediterranean.
Making Golden Greek Honey Pie at home allows you to control all the ingredients and add your personal touch. Whether you enjoy baking or are new to it, this recipe is accessible and rewarding. It comes together easily and can be a great way to celebrate occasions or simply indulge yourself on a quiet evening.
How to Make Golden Greek Honey Pie
Ingredients :
- 8 sheets of phyllo dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup semolina flour
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup honey, warmed
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
Directions :
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a properly heated oven allows the pie to bake evenly and gives it a nice golden color.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it well with the melted butter. This not only prevents sticking but also adds flavor.
Layer the Phyllo Dough: Unroll your phyllo dough carefully, keeping the sheets covered with a damp cloth as you work. Lay down the first sheet of phyllo in the dish and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this process for seven sheets, placing each one on top of the last while ensuring to brush each sheet with butter. This layering creates the flaky texture we desire in the final pie.
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the semolina flour, eggs, granulated sugar, whole milk, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This filling is creamy and provides a wonderful contrast to the crispy phyllo.
Pour the Filling: Once the filling is ready, pour it over the phyllo layers in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every corner gets the filling.
Top with Phyllo: Now, take the last sheet of phyllo and lay it on top of the filling. Brush it once more with melted butter. To make serving easier later, score the top sheet of phyllo lightly with a knife; this means cutting it into squares without going all the way through. It helps create nice portions after baking.
Bake the Pie: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for around 40-45 minutes. Watch for the top to turn a lovely golden brown. It’s best to keep an eye on it near the end, as oven temperatures can vary.
Cool and Add Toppings: After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This short resting period helps the filling firm up a bit. Drizzle the warmed honey over the top and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. This step adds sweetness and a lovely crunch.
How to Serve Golden Greek Honey Pie
Golden Greek Honey Pie can be served warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own but can also be complemented with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to enhance the flavor, serving it with a side of fresh fruit like berries or peaches adds a refreshing touch. For a true Mediterranean experience, consider pairing it with a small cup of strong coffee or herbal tea.
How to Store Golden Greek Honey Pie
If you have leftovers, store the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the phyllo soggy.
Tips to Make Golden Greek Honey Pie
Thaw the Phyllo Dough Properly: Be sure to thaw your phyllo dough in the refrigerator overnight before using it. This will make it easier to handle as it can become brittle if thawed at room temperature.
Keep It Covered: While working with phyllo, keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. Dried phyllo can become difficult to work with.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of your favorite spices, like cardamom or allspice, into the filling for a unique twist.
Serve with Fresh Fruits: For a fresh contrast, serve pieces of the pie alongside seasonal fruits like figs or pomegranates.
Allow Proper Cooling: Don’t rush the cooling process; letting it cool for at least 10 minutes helps with cutting and maintaining the structure of the pie.
Variation
You can experiment with different nuts instead of sesame seeds. Chopped walnuts or almonds can bring a delightful crunch and a different flavor profile. Additionally, swapping honey with agave or maple syrup can provide alternative sweet notes, although this may slightly alter the traditional taste.
Another variation is to modify the filling by adding lemon or orange zest for a hint of citrus freshness. This substitution pairs beautifully with the honey and warm spices.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pie a day or two in advance. Just bake it, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Remember to drizzle the honey and sprinkle the sesame seeds just before serving.
2. Can I freeze Golden Greek Honey Pie?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze it unbaked. Assemble everything except for the last phyllo layer and fillings, then wrap tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the top layer before baking.
3. What if I don’t have semolina flour?
If you don’t have semolina flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, although it may slightly change the texture and flavor of the filling.
By following these steps, tips, and variations, you’ll create a delightful Golden Greek Honey Pie that brings smiles with each bite. Whether for a special occasion or a treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to be a favorite!
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Golden Greek Honey Pie
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert combining flaky phyllo dough with a rich, creamy filling inspired by traditional Greek flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 sheets of phyllo dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup semolina flour
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup honey, warmed
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it with melted butter.
- Layer the phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
- Make the filling by combining semolina flour, eggs, sugar, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
- Pour the filling over the phyllo layers evenly.
- Top with the last sheet of phyllo and brush with melted butter, scoring lightly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle sesame seeds.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Greek dessert, honey pie, phyllo dough, rich filling, Mediterranean dessert