Golden Greek Honey Pie Recipe
Golden Greek Honey Pie is a luscious dessert featuring layers of crispy phyllo dough filled with a creamy semolina custard, scented with cinnamon and nutmeg, then drizzled with warm honey and topped with toasted sesame seeds. This pie delivers a delightful balance of textures and a warm, sweet flavor profile typical of traditional Greek pastries.
- Author: Tara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Phyllo Layers
- 8 sheets of phyllo dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 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
Topping
- 1/2 cup honey, warmed
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the phyllo from sticking.
- Layer the phyllo dough: Place one sheet of phyllo into the baking dish and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this process with 6 more sheets, layering and buttering each sheet carefully to build a crispy, golden base.
- Prepare the custard filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the semolina flour, eggs, granulated sugar, whole milk, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the filling over phyllo base: Slowly pour the creamy semolina custard over the layered phyllo sheets, ensuring an even spread.
- Top with remaining phyllo sheets: Place the remaining phyllo sheet on top of the filling. Brush with melted butter between each additional phyllo layer if more than one top layer is used. Score the top lightly with a knife to allow steam to escape and for easier cutting after baking.
- Bake the pie: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Cool and finish: Allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes to set further. Then drizzle the warmed honey evenly over the top and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
- Serve: Slice the pie and serve it warm or at room temperature to enjoy its full flavor.
Notes
- Ensure phyllo sheets are covered with a damp towel while working to prevent them from drying out and tearing.
- Use whole milk for a creamier texture, but you can substitute with a lower-fat option if desired.
- To toast sesame seeds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Score the phyllo top before baking to make slicing easier and to allow steam escape, preventing sogginess.
- This pie is best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated before serving.
Keywords: Greek honey pie, phyllo dessert, semolina custard pie, traditional Greek pastry, honey and sesame pie