Greek Honey Pie Recipe – Easy Rustic Dessert Perfect for Parties

The velvety sweetness of honey paired with a flaky, golden-brown crust—this rustic Greek honey pie is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug in food form. I first stumbled upon this recipe while exploring Greek cuisine during a family dinner night, and it quickly became a favorite. It’s simple, elegant, and overflowing with Mediterranean charm. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just someone who loves delightful desserts, this Greek honey pie recipe will win your heart (and your guests’ hearts too!).

This pie is perfect for special occasions, cozy gatherings, or even an indulgent treat for yourself. The combination of creamy filling, hints of citrus, and natural honey sweetness makes this dessert unforgettable. Plus, it looks impressive enough for Pinterest-worthy party spreads but is surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Simple: The recipe comes together in under 30 minutes of hands-on time, ideal for busy bakers or last-minute desserts.
• Authentically Greek: Inspired by traditional Greek flavors, this pie showcases honey, citrus, and creamy textures beautifully.
• Perfect for Parties: Its rustic charm makes it an eye-catching dessert for gatherings, yet it’s easy enough to whip up for everyday cravings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves its rich, yet not-too-sweet flavor—kids, adults, and even the pickiest eaters will go back for seconds.
• Customizable: You can tweak the flavors with different honeys or citrus zest to make it uniquely yours.

Unlike many pies, this one skips the overly sweet fillings and heavy creams. Instead, it focuses on wholesome, simple ingredients that let the honey and citrus shine. The result? A dessert that feels indulgent but not overwhelming—perfect for those “just one more slice” moments. Trust me, you’ll understand why this is a go-to recipe in my kitchen.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that are easy to find and work together harmoniously for maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the crust:
  • 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 2-3 tbsp (30-45 ml) ice water
  • 1 tbsp (15 g) sugar
  • Pinch of salt
• For the filling:
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Greek honey (preferably floral or citrus varieties)
  • 3/4 cup (180 g) ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon (or orange for variation)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with different types of honey—wildflower honey adds floral notes, while orange blossom honey gives a citrusy kick.

Equipment Needed

Making this rustic Greek honey pie doesn’t require fancy equipment, which makes it even more accessible. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Pastry blender or food processor (for crust)
• Whisk
• Zester or microplane (for citrus zest)
• Rolling pin
• Cooling rack

If you don’t have a pastry blender, use two forks or your hands to mix the butter into the flour for the crust. A simple pie dish works perfectly here, but you can also use a tart pan for a more polished look.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Roll out the crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the crust to the dish, pressing it down gently. Trim any excess and crimp the edges for a rustic look. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
3. Pre-bake the crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, ricotta cheese, eggs, lemon juice, zest, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the pie: Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
6. Cool and serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Serve at room temperature or chilled, garnished with a drizzle of honey and extra citrus zest.

Tip: If the crust edges start to brown too quickly during baking, cover them with strips of foil or a pie crust shield.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Chill your dough: Cold butter and a brief chill in the refrigerator are key to achieving a flaky, tender crust.
• Use high-quality honey: The honey is the star of the show here, so opt for a flavorful, aromatic variety. Local, raw honey often has the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the pre-baking: Pre-baking the crust ensures it stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy under the filling.
• Watch the filling: The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven—it will firm up as it cools.
• Customize the zest: Lemon is classic, but try orange or even grapefruit zest for a fun twist.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Replace ricotta cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut yogurt, and use almond milk in the filling.
• Seasonal Flavors: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a cozy fall vibe, or garnish with fresh berries in the summer.
• Individual Servings: Make mini honey pies using tart pans or muffin tins—perfect for parties!

Personally, I love adding a touch of orange blossom water to the filling for a subtle floral aroma—it’s a game-changer!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Greek honey pie is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. Serve slices with a drizzle of extra honey and a sprinkle of fresh citrus zest for a polished presentation. Pair it with Greek coffee or a light herbal tea for a complementary Mediterranean touch.

To store leftovers, cover the pie tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it (wrapped well) for up to 1 month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheat slices briefly in the oven if you prefer a warm dessert, but honestly, this pie is delightful cold too!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Per serving (approx. 1 slice):

• Calories: 245
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 19g

This dessert is a wholesome treat that celebrates natural sweetness from honey. Ricotta cheese adds a dose of protein and calcium, while the citrus zest provides a refreshing burst of Vitamin C. It’s a dessert you can feel good about serving!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both stunning and simple, this rustic Greek honey pie is it. With its flaky crust, creamy filling, and the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s for a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or a weeknight indulgence, this pie is guaranteed to impress.

I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Don’t forget to share your creations or any variations you try in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you make this pie your own!

Now, go grab your ingredients and get baking—you’ve got a slice of Mediterranean sunshine waiting for you!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought crust?

Absolutely! While homemade crust adds extra flavor, a store-bought option works perfectly for saving time.

What’s the best honey for this recipe?

Look for high-quality, aromatic honeys like orange blossom, wildflower, or clover for the best flavor.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the pie a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before serving.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for ricotta?

Yes, Greek yogurt works beautifully and adds a tangy note to the filling.

What should I do if my crust edges brown too quickly?

Cover the edges with foil or use a pie crust shield to prevent over-browning.

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