Traditional Greek Flour Halva

Traditional Greek flour halva is one of the simplest and most comforting desserts in Mediterranean cuisine. Made with only a few pantry ingredients—flour, oil, sugar, and water—this classic sweet transforms into a fragrant, silky halva with a rich toasted flavor and warm cinnamon aroma.

Often prepared during fasting periods or when a quick homemade dessert is needed, flour halva is loved for its deep caramelized taste and smooth texture. With the right technique, the flour slowly toasts in oil until golden brown, creating the signature nutty flavor that makes this dessert so irresistible.

Traditional Greek Flour Halva

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: DessertCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

285

kcal

Total time

25

minutes

Traditional Greek halva made with flour, oil, and cinnamon syrup. A simple homemade dessert with rich toasted flavor and silky texture.

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Ingredients

Metric US

• 240 ml 240 Vegetable Oil

• 250 g 250 All-purpose Flour

• 400 g 400 Sugar

• 720 ml 720 Water

• 1 1 Cinnamon Stick

• For Sprinkling

• Ground Cinnamon

• Sugar

How to make Greek Halva

• Prepare the Syrup
• In a saucepan combine sugar, water, cinnamon stick.
• Heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
• Remove from heat and set aside.
• Prepare the Halva
• In another pot add the oil and flour.
• Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the flour darkens and becomes golden brown. This step develops the characteristic nutty aroma of the halva.
• Slowly add the syrup with a ladle while stirring continuously. (Be careful as the mixture may splatter.)
• Continue stirring until all the syrup is absorbed and the mixture thickens.
• Shaping
• Once ready, transfer the halva into a mold, small bowls, or shape individual portions using a spoon.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar before serving.

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What Is Greek Flour Halva?

Greek flour halva is a traditional dessert made from toasted flour and syrup. Unlike semolina halva, this version uses all-purpose flour, creating a deeper toasted flavor and slightly denser texture.

It is a classic fasting dessert in Greek cuisine because it contains no dairy or eggs.

The Secret to Perfect Halva

The most important step is slowly roasting the flour in oil. This process develops the characteristic nutty aroma and golden color.

If the flour is not toasted properly, the halva may taste raw.

Texture & Flavor

A well-made flour halva should be:

• silky and smooth
• aromatic with cinnamon
• slightly crumbly yet soft

The balance between toasted flour and syrup gives it a comforting homemade taste.

Serving Ideas

Flour halva can be served:

• warm or at room temperature
• shaped in molds or individual portions
• sprinkled with cinnamon or nuts

It pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.