Galaktoboureko
This traditional Greek dessert features a rich, creamy semolina custard baked between flaky layers of phyllo pastry. It's finished with a sweet, aromatic syrup, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting treat.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 3 hr 20 min
- Serves
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 755 kcal
Allergen information: may contain eggs, gluten, and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 450 gphyllo dough, thawed
- 200 gunsalted butter, melted
custard
- 960 mlwhole milk
- 100 ggranulated sugar
- 120 gfine semolina
- 4 pcsegg yolk
- 5 mlvanilla extract
- 1 tsplemon zest
syrup
- 400 ggranulated sugar
- 480 mlwater
- 15 mllemon juice
- 1 pcscinnamon stick
- 1 pcsorange peel
Equipment
sharp knife · pastry brush · medium saucepan · whisk · baking dish · large saucepan
The method
Step by step
- 1
Prepare the syrup first by combining the granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and orange peel in a medium saucepan.
- 2
Bring the syrup mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
About 5 min
- 3
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: The syrup must be cold when poured over the hot galaktoboureko to prevent the phyllo from becoming soggy.
- 4
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
About 10 min
- 5
For the custard, heat the whole milk and granulated sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat until it simmers.
About 5 min
- 6
Gradually whisk in the fine semolina, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
About 2 min
- 7
Continue cooking and stirring for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
About 7 min
- 8
Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.
About 2 min
- 9
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with some of the melted unsalted butter.
About 1 min
- 10
Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish and brush generously with melted butter. Repeat this process for half of the phyllo sheets, layering them carefully and buttering each one.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Keep unused phyllo covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
- 11
Pour the prepared semolina custard evenly over the layered phyllo.
About 1 min
- 12
Cover the custard with the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with melted butter as before.
About 10 min
- 13
Use a sharp knife to score the top layers of phyllo into serving-sized pieces, being careful not to cut all the way through to the custard.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: This helps the syrup penetrate evenly and makes serving easier.
- 14
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
About 50 min
- 15
Immediately upon removing the galaktoboureko from the oven, slowly pour the cold syrup evenly over the hot dessert.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: The sizzling sound indicates the syrup is being absorbed properly.
- 16
Allow the galaktoboureko to cool completely and rest for at least 2 hours to fully absorb the syrup and set.
About 2 hr
Cook’s note: Resting is crucial for the best texture and flavor.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 754.7kcal
- Protein
- 11.4g
- Carbs
- 111.4g
- Fat
- 30.2g
- Fibre
- 2g
- Sugar
- 68.9g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover galaktoboureko in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Galaktoboureko is best served at room temperature or slightly warmed; reheat gently in the oven if desired.
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