Naturally sweet, soft, and fragrant
Greek honey cake, also known as melopita, is a beautifully simple dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of honey and the warmth of Mediterranean flavors. Light, moist, and gently spiced, this traditional Greek cake is perfect for afternoon coffee, family gatherings, or when you want a not-too-sweet dessert that still feels special. Made with pantry-friendly ingredients and no complicated techniques, it’s ideal for busy home bakers who love timeless recipes with rich cultural roots. Finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of nuts or cinnamon, this cake delivers comforting flavor in every bite—rustic, elegant, and incredibly satisfying.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 9–12 slices
📝 Ingredients List
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- ½ cup olive oil (mild)
- ¾ cup Greek honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional topping: chopped walnuts, sesame seeds, or powdered sugar
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Hand mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- 9-inch round or square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Prep the pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease. - Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. - Whisk wet ingredients
In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar for 2 minutes until pale. Whisk in yogurt, olive oil, honey, and vanilla until smooth. 🍯 - Combine gently
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Batter should be thick but pourable. - Bake
Pour batter into pan and smooth the top. Bake 40–45 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. - Finish & serve
Cool slightly, then drizzle with warm honey and sprinkle with nuts or sesame seeds. 🍰
💡 Pro Tips
- Use high-quality honey for the best flavor
- Do not overmix to keep the cake tender
- Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days
- Flavor boost: Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the batter