What are the 4 Greek desserts?

The four most iconic Greek dessert recipes that define the country’s rich culinary heritage are: Baklava – A layered pastry made with phyllo, nuts (usually walnuts or pistachios), and sweet syrup. Galaktoboureko – A custard-filled phyllo pie soaked in syrup, made with semolina and eggs. Loukoumades – Small, fried dough balls drizzled with honey and cinnamon, often topped with crushed walnuts. Kourabiedes – Buttery almond cookies rolled in powdered sugar, traditionally served during Christmas. These desserts are deeply rooted in Greek tradition, with variations across regions and households.

What does galaktoboureko mean in Greek?

The word “Galaktoboureko” comes from two Greek words: “galakto” meaning milk , and “boureko” meaning something that’s stuffed or enclosed in pastry . So, galaktoboureko literally translates to “milk pie” , referring to the sweet, creamy semolina custard that's wrapped in layers of crispy phyllo dough and topped with syrup. It's a beloved dessert often served at special occasions, holidays, and family gatherings.

What is Greece’s traditional pastry?

Greece’s most famous and widely recognized traditional pastry is undoubtedly baklava . Known for its rich layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey or lemon syrup, baklava represents the heart of Greek sweet-making. Other traditional pastries include: Koulourakia – twisted butter cookies often enjoyed with coffee. Melomakarona – spiced cookies soaked in honey syrup, served during the holidays. Diples – fried pastry sheets drizzled with syrup and sprinkled with nuts. Still, Greek honey cake , though not a pastry in the traditional sense, is cherished for its simplicity and soul-warming syrup.

Greek Dessert Recipe – The Best Honey Cake You'll Ever Bake

Ingredients

Scale

125 g All purpose flour (1 cup)
1 1/2 tsp Baking powder
1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
170 g Butter (3/4 cup)
150 g Caster sugar (3/4 cup)
3 medium Eggs
60 ml Milk (1/4 cup)

For the syrup

200 g Caster Sugar (1 cup)
350 g Thyme Honey (1 cup)
175 ml Water (3/4 cup)
1 tsp Lemon juice (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180ºC and grease the tin.
First combine the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon together in a large bowl and then put to aside for later.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 150g sugar until light and fluffy. Then beat in the eggs, one at a time.
Fold in the flour mixture, alternately with the milk, mixing until incorporated.
Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool for 15 mins.

Author: easyplates_admin
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek
Diet: Vegetarian