Greek Galatopita (Milk Pie with Phyllo) – Traditional Custard Dessert

Galatopita (Greek milk pie) is a traditional dessert that combines a creamy semolina custard with layers of buttery crispy phyllo dough. Light yet indulgent, this pie is dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, making it a true comfort sweet.

In Greece, galatopita is often prepared for festive occasions, family gatherings, or simply as an afternoon treat with coffee. If you love desserts like galaktoboureko, this is a simpler but equally delicious cousin.

Greek Galatopita (Milk Pie with Phyllo) – Traditional Custard Dessert

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: DessertCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

310

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

Traditional Greek Galatopita recipe – a creamy milk pie with semolina custard and crispy phyllo. Light, flavorful, and authentic.

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Ingredients

Metric US

• 1300 g 1300 Milk

• 1 1 Egg yolk

• 2 2 Whole eggs

• 180 g 180 Coarse Semolina

• 30 g 30 Cornstarch

• 200 g 200 Sugar

• 1 pinch 1 Salt

• 7 g 7 Ground Cinnamon

• 1 tsp 1 Vanilla extract (or 2 vanillin capsules)

• 150 g 150 Butter

• 6 6 Sheets Phyllo Dough

• 150 g 150 Sheep or Goat Butter (melted, for brushing)

• Icing sugar and ground cinnamon for sprinkling

How to make Greek Galatopita

• Make the Custard
• In a saucepan over low heat, add milk, eggs, semolina, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir continuously until thickened and starting to bubble.
• Remove from heat, add vanilla and butter, and stir until combined.
• Transfer custard to a bowl, cover, and let cool.
• Prepare the Phyllo Base
• Cut phyllo sheets into wide strips. Arrange them in a greased round springform pan, layering to form a nest, brushing each with melted butter.
• Stir custard lightly and spread it evenly inside the phyllo nest.
• Fold phyllo edges inward and brush with butter.
• Bake
• Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F), bottom heat, for 40 minutes until golden.
• Let cool, then dust generously with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

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What is Galatopita?

Galatopita is one of Greece’s most beloved custard desserts, especially popular in rural areas where fresh milk was abundant. The name literally means “milk pie.” Unlike syrup-soaked sweets, galatopita is light and fragrant, relying on its creamy semolina base and buttery phyllo.

Tips for the Best Galatopita

• Use coarse semolina for the right custard texture.
• Keep stirring custard to prevent lumps.
• Always butter phyllo generously so it turns crispy and golden.
  Dust with cinnamon right before serving for extra aroma.

How to Serve

Serve galatopita warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with Greek coffee or tea. It also makes a lighter alternative to heavier syrup desserts, perfect after a rich meal.

More Greek Desserts to Try

• Greek Samali Syrup Cake with Mastiha
• Fluffy Coconut Ravani
• Vegan Oil-Free Samali