Melopita – Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie Recipe

Introduction

Melopita is a traditional Greek crustless honey and cheese pie that’s creamy, sweet, and wonderfully simple to make. This delicate dessert combines ricotta cheese with honey and cinnamon for a comforting treat that’s perfect anytime.

Ingredients

• 600 grams fresh ricotta cheese
• 100 ml honey
• 3 eggs
• 1 tbsp corn starch (corn flour)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 60 ml honey (for drizzling)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 20 cm (8 inch) springform baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta, 100 ml honey, eggs, corn starch, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is browned and the center no longer wobbles.
4. Step 4: Allow the pie to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Step 5: Once cooled, drizzle the remaining 60 ml honey over the top and dust with ground cinnamon before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use full-fat ricotta for a richer texture, or try substituting part of the ricotta with cream cheese for extra creaminess.
• If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time slightly, checking frequently for doneness.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds on top after baking for a pleasant crunch.
• For a citrus twist, mix a teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or enjoy chilled. This pie is best served fresh but can be eaten cold to highlight the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese instead of ricotta?

Ricotta’s mild flavor and creamy texture are ideal, but you can substitute with farmer’s cheese or fresh cottage cheese strained well to reduce moisture.

Is melopita gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe uses corn starch and does not contain any wheat flour, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Melopita – Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 106 reviews

Melopita is a traditional Greek crustless honey and cheese pie, featuring a smooth ricotta base sweetened with honey and lightly spiced with cinnamon. Baked to a golden-brown perfection, this delicate dessert offers a luscious, creamy texture without the heaviness of a crust, making it a wholesome and delightful treat.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 600 grams ricotta cheese (fresh)
• 3 eggs
• 1 tbsp corn starch (corn flour)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Sweeteners and Spice

• 100 ml honey (for batter)
• 60 ml honey (for drizzling)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and grease a 20cm (8 inch) springform baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, eggs, corn starch, vanilla extract, and 100 ml honey until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, ensuring an even batter.
3. Bake the Melopita: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned and the center is set without wobbling, signaling that it’s fully cooked.
4. Cool Slightly: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set further before removing the springform sides.
5. Cool Completely and Finish: Transfer the pie to a cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle with the remaining 60 ml honey and sprinkle the top with ground cinnamon to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Notes

• The freshness and quality of ricotta greatly affect the creaminess and flavor of the melopita.
• Use a springform pan for easy removal without damaging the delicate pie.
• Ensure the baking time is adhered to for a firm but creamy interior; overbaking can dry out the texture.
• Drizzling honey and cinnamon after cooling enhances the aroma and gives a glossy finish.
• This pie is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Keywords: Melopita, Greek honey pie, crustless cheese pie, ricotta dessert, honey and cinnamon pie, traditional Greek dessert