Description
Galaktoboureko is a traditional Greek dessert featuring creamy semolina custard wrapped in layers of crispy phyllo pastry, soaked in a fragrant citrus syrup.
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo pastry sheets
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup fine semolina
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for custard)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon zest or orange zest
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for syrup)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, lemon juice, zest or cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
- In another saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Gradually add semolina and sugar while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a custard.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and lemon zest, then let it cool slightly.
- Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and gradually whisk them into the warm custard.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a baking dish and layer half of the phyllo sheets, brushing each with melted butter.
- Pour the custard evenly over the phyllo base.
- Layer the remaining phyllo sheets on top, again brushing each with butter, and neatly tuck in the edges.
- Score the top phyllo layers into squares or diamonds without cutting all the way through.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Immediately after baking, pour the cooled syrup over the hot pastry and let it soak for 1–2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fine semolina for a smooth custard texture.
- Ensure the syrup is cool before pouring it over the hot pastry to keep the phyllo crispy.
- Galaktoboureko tastes better after resting and fully absorbing the syrup.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, tightly covered.
- Reheat in the oven, not the microwave, to retain crispness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
