Name: Melopita – Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 600 grams fresh ricotta cheese; 3 eggs; 100 ml honey; 1 tbsp corn starch (corn flour); 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 60 ml honey (approx. 1/4 cup); 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a Greek dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then you’re going to adore this Melopita – Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie. It’s ridiculously simple yet wonderfully rich, blending creamy ricotta cheese with luscious honey and fragrant cinnamon in a way that makes every slice melt in your mouth. What makes this pie truly special is its crustless nature, allowing the silky custardy filling to shine, and the generous drizzle of honey on top adds the perfect touch of sweetness that’s neither overpowering nor subtle, but just right.

Melopita - Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Melopita – Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build a perfect balance of smooth texture, sweet warmth, and delicate aroma that captures the essence of Greek desserts.

600 grams ricotta cheese: The creamy base that gives the pie its luscious texture and mild tang.
100 ml honey: Adds natural sweetness and depth with floral notes.
3 eggs: These help bind everything together and create that custard-like softness.
1 tablespoon corn starch: Ensures a smooth, stable set without the heaviness of flour.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors with its warm, fragrant essence.
60 ml honey (for drizzling): To finish, giving the pie a glossy, sweet crown.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Offers a warm spice note that complements the honey beautifully.

How to Make Melopita – Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius, the perfect temperature for baking this delicate pie to golden perfection. Grease a 20cm (8 inch) springform pan to make sure your pie releases effortlessly once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients Until Silky Smooth

In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta, honey, eggs, corn starch, and vanilla extract. This step is key—give it a good mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free, ensuring a creamy texture in every bite of your Melopita – Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie.

Step 3: Pour and Bake

Pour your silky batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, keeping an eye out for a beautifully browned top. The pie’s center should no longer wobble when gently shaken—that’s your signal that it’s perfectly set.

Step 4: Cool and Release

Once baked, allow your Melopita to cool in the pan for 5 minutes to settle, then carefully remove the springform ring. Cooling completely is essential to help the pie firm up, making it easier to slice and enhancing the flavors.

Step 5: Drizzle Honey and Dust Cinnamon

The finishing touch is pure magic: drizzle an extra ¼ cup of honey generously over the top, then dust with ground cinnamon. This not only adds a gorgeous glaze but heightens the sweet-spicy aroma that defines this pie.

How to Serve Melopita – Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie

Garnishes

For an elegant touch, add a few toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top just after the honey drizzle. Fresh mint leaves can also add a vibrant green contrast and a fresh note that brightens the dessert’s richness.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess balances the honey’s sweetness, while seasonal fresh berries add vibrant color and a slight tartness that complements the smooth cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Melopita – Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie in rustic ceramic plates with a side of honeycomb for guests to drizzle on themselves. For a brunch twist, cut it into small squares and serve alongside fresh figs and a pot of strong Greek coffee for an experience that’s truly memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Melopita keeps beautifully when stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight and the texture remains silky, so it’s actually even better the next day.

Freezing

If you wish to freeze your pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator to preserve its creamy texture.

Reheating

For a warm treat, gently reheat slices in a low oven (about 150 degrees Celsius) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can alter the texture. Serve warm with a drizzle more honey for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?

Ricotta’s light, creamy texture is ideal for Melopita – Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie, but you can experiment with fresh farmer’s cheese or mascarpone for a richer version. Just keep in mind that texture and sweetness may vary slightly.

Is this pie gluten-free?

Yes! Since this pie uses corn starch instead of traditional flour and has no crust, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

How sweet is the pie? Can I adjust the honey?

The balance of honey creates a gentle sweetness that complements the tangy cheese, but if you prefer a sweeter pie, feel free to add a bit more honey to the batter or in the drizzle at the end.

Can I make this pie vegan?

Melopita traditionally features dairy and eggs, which are essential for its creamy texture. For a vegan version, you might try using plant-based ricotta alternatives and egg substitutes, but it will be a different experience from the classic pie.

What’s the best way to cut this pie?

Use a sharp, slightly warmed knife for clean slices. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps keep edges neat and prevents sticking due to the honey’s stickiness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and utterly delightful about Melopita – Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, it brings a truly special sweetness and creamy richness that feels like a little taste of Greece at home. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with every slice!

Melopita – Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 25 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Melopita is a traditional Greek crustless honey and cheese pie that combines creamy ricotta cheese with sweet honey and warm cinnamon spices. This simple yet delightful dessert is baked to golden perfection with a smooth, custard-like texture, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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

Topping

60 ml honey (approx. 1/4 cup)
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and grease a 20cm (8 inch) springform baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, eggs, 100 ml honey, corn starch, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, ensuring a creamy batter.
Bake the Melopita: Pour the smooth batter into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is browned and the center is set, with no wobble when gently shaken.
Cool in Pan: Once baked, allow the melopita to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to set further and make it easier to remove.
Remove and Cool Completely: Carefully remove the pie from the springform pan and let it cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack.
Add Toppings: Drizzle the cooled pie with an additional 60 ml (approximately 1/4 cup) of honey and dust the surface evenly with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon for a fragrant and sweet finish.

Notes

Make sure to use fresh ricotta cheese for the best creamy texture.
Allow the pie to cool completely before adding the honey and cinnamon topping to prevent it from melting and creating a runny surface.
For a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can mix some cinnamon into the batter as well as dusting on top.
This pie is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek