If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing the flavors of a sunny Greek taverna straight to your kitchen, this Galaktoboureko is the perfect recipe. This traditional Greek custard pie features a silky semolina custard nestled between layers of crisp, buttery phyllo dough, then drenched in a fragrant lemon-honey syrup.
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Unlike American-style pies, Galaktoboureko is baked in a rectangular pan and gets its signature slightly grainy yet creamy texture from fine semolina. It’s simple, elegant, and irresistibly comforting — the kind of dessert that disappears quickly at any gathering.
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Greek Islands Taverna’s Galaktoboureko
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons honey
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
14 phyllo dough sheets, thawed
Semolina custard (see recipe)
1. Combine sugar, water and lemon zest in a small saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, stir in honey and set aside to cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9 x 13 baking dish. Layer the bottom and sides of pan, allowing some overhang, with 8 sheets of phyllo dough, each brushed with melted butter.
3. Pour the semolina custard into the pan and spread evenly. Fold overhanging phyllo onto custard.
4. Layer the remaining phyllo sheets over the top, brushing each sheet with butter. Use a sharp knife to make a diagonal slice on the top to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake until phyllo is crisp and golden brown, about 40 minutes. Slowly ladle the cold lemon syrup over the Galaktoboureko, letting each spoonful absorb. Allow to cool, cut into squares and serve.
Makes about 18 servings
Semolina Custard
6 cups milk
7 large eggs
1 cup fine semolina
¾ cup sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1. Pour milk into a large saucepan and bring to a boil over low heat. Remove from heat. While waiting for milk to boil, whisk eggs, semolina and sugar together in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Using a wooden spoon, gradually stir egg mixture into milk until combined. Cook over low heat until custard starts to bubble and remove from heat. Add butter and lemon zest and stir until combined.
Makes about 8 cups
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