Description
Golden Greek Honey Pie is a delightful traditional dessert featuring layers of crisp phyllo dough filled with a smooth semolina custard, generously drizzled with warm honey and toasted sesame seeds. This pie combines aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a comforting and sweet treat perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Phyllo and Butter
- 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). Grease a 23×33 cm baking dish thoroughly with melted butter to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
- Assemble Bottom Layers: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the 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 ensure a flaky, golden crust.
- 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 well blended.
- Pour Filling and Add Top Layer: Pour the prepared semolina custard evenly over the layered phyllo base. Lay the final sheet of phyllo on top of the filling, brushing it with the remaining melted butter to seal everything together.
- Score and Bake: Lightly score the top phyllo layer with a sharp knife to help steam escape and make cutting easier after baking. Bake the pie in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the custard filling is set. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the warm pie with the warmed honey for sweetness and shine. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for a nutty crunch. Slice the pie into 12 portions and serve while warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Make sure to work quickly when handling phyllo dough as it dries out rapidly; keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel.
- Warming the honey before drizzling helps it spread evenly across the pie surface.
- Scoring the top before baking prevents the phyllo from cracking irregularly and makes slicing cleaner.
- To toast sesame seeds, dry roast them in a pan over medium-low heat until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- This pie can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; gently reheat before serving.
