Description
Golden Greek Honey Pie is a luscious dessert featuring layers of crisp phyllo pastry filled with a smooth semolina custard, fragranced with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with honey and toasted sesame seeds. This traditional Greek treat offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a delightful sweet to enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Phyllo Base
- 8 sheets phyllo dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Custard Filling
- 1 cup semolina flour
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup honey, warmed
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish and Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F) and grease a 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking dish with some of the melted butter to ensure the phyllo layers do not stick.
- Assemble Bottom Layers: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this process with six more sheets, brushing each sheet with butter as you layer them to create a crisp and flaky base.
- Prepare Custard Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together semolina flour, eggs, granulated sugar, whole milk, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Pour Filling and Add Top Layer: Pour the semolina custard filling evenly over the phyllo base. Place the remaining phyllo sheet on top and brush it thoroughly with melted butter to seal and add extra golden color when baked.
- Score and Bake: Using a sharp knife, lightly score the top layer of phyllo to help steam escape and to guide slicing later. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and the custard is set. Once done, remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the warm pie generously with the warmed honey and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds evenly over the top. Slice into portions and serve either warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use melted unsalted butter to brush the phyllo layers to prevent burning and add a rich flavor.
- Make sure to warm the honey so it is easy to drizzle over the pie.
- Scoring the top layer before baking prevents the pie from cracking and helps with portioning.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and gently warm before serving.
- To toast sesame seeds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
