Melopita – Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie Recipe

Introduction

Melopita is a traditional Greek crustless honey and cheese pie that offers a delightful balance of creamy texture and natural sweetness. This simple yet flavorful dessert is perfect for any occasion, combining ricotta cheese, honey, and aromatic cinnamon in a tender, baked custard.

A white plate holds a round cheesecake with a golden-brown top layer that looks smooth and slightly shiny, with some darker toasted spots. Three slices are cut from the cheesecake, showing a creamy off-white middle layer and a thin light brown crust at the bottom. A single slice is served on another white plate, with the same layers visible, and a silver spoon placed next to it. Two cinnamon sticks rest on the white marbled surface near the plates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 20cm (8 inch) springform baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, 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, or until the top is golden brown and the center no longer wobbles when gently shaken.
  4. Step 4: Allow the pie to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. Step 5: Once cooled, drizzle the pie with the remaining 60 ml honey and sprinkle with ground cinnamon before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use full-fat ricotta for a richer and creamier texture.
  • For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds on top before serving.
  • Try substituting honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a more set texture, bake a few minutes longer but watch closely to avoid drying out.

Storage

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, bring it to room temperature or warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A round cheesecake sits on a white plate on a white marbled texture. The cheesecake has a smooth, light golden top with darker caramelized spots, and a light sprinkle of brown cinnamon powder across its surface. Two triangular slices are cut out and partially pulled out from the cake, showing a creamy, dense texture inside. Nearby, two whole cinnamon sticks rest on the white marbled texture to the right of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with fresh cottage cheese or mascarpone, but this will slightly alter the texture and flavor of the pie.

Is it necessary to use a springform pan?

A springform pan makes removing the delicate pie easier, but you can also use a well-greased regular round baking dish if needed.

Print

Melopita – Crustless Greek Honey & Cheese Pie Recipe

Melopita is a traditional Greek crustless honey and cheese pie made with creamy ricotta, sweet honey, eggs, and a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. This simple yet delicious dessert is baked until golden and set, then drizzled with extra honey and dusted with cinnamon for a luscious finish. Perfect for a light, comforting treat that showcases authentic Greek flavors.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

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

Sweeteners & Spices

  • 100 ml honey (for the batter)
  • 60 ml honey (for drizzling after baking)
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (plus extra for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) springform baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, eggs, corn starch, honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Bake the pie: Pour the smooth batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center no longer wobbles when gently shaken.
  4. Cool the pie: Remove the melopita from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. Add finishing touches: Once fully cooled, drizzle the pie with an additional 60 ml (¼ cup) of honey and dust the surface with ground cinnamon for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • You can substitute ricotta with fresh farmer’s cheese or a mild queso fresco for a slightly different texture.
  • Ensure the batter is smooth to avoid lumps in your pie.
  • Allow the pie to cool completely before drizzling honey to prevent it from melting and soaking into the crust too much.
  • This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong Greek coffee or black tea.
  • For a gluten-free version, confirm that your corn starch is gluten-free.

Keywords: Melopita, Greek honey cheese pie, crustless pie, ricotta dessert, traditional Greek dessert, honey pie, easy baked dessert

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