15 Traditional Greek Desserts & Recipes To Make Them

Whether you’re looking for the best Greek desserts to seek out in Greece, to order at your local Greek restaurant, or to make in your own kitchen, they’re all here!

If you love Greek food like I do, you’ll love traditional Greek desserts! They incorporate many of the typical ingredients found in Greek cuisine.

Honey, nuts, and sheets of phyllo dough are at the heart of many Greek dessert recipes. Yet there is also quite a diversity of flavors and textures.

If you have a sweet tooth (guilty), you’ll want to try all of these delicious Greek desserts (and you should). Once you try them, I’m betting you’ll want to come home and bake these sweet treats yourself. Or, just dive right in and start baking now!

Best Greek Dessert Recipes

At the end of each Greek dessert description, you’ll find a link to its recipe.

1. Baklava

Most famous Greek dessert, Baklava — The most famous Greek dessert, baklava, comes in many shapes.

Main Ingredients: Phyllo dough, walnuts, butter, sugar, honey, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon.

This is the quintessential dessert of Greek cuisine! If you’ve only had one Greek dessert before, whether visiting Athens or at your local Greek restaurant, it was probably baklava.

It is instantly recognizable by the intricate layers of thin phyllo pastry sheets (sometimes spelled as filo pastry) that create its signature flaky texture.

Each layer is brushed with melted butter, allowing the pastry to puff up during baking and the top to become golden brown. The result is a delicious dessert that is both light and crispy.

The filling between the phyllo sheets of traditional baklava typically includes a mix of chopped walnuts with spices like cinnamon and cloves.

A key component of baklava is its hot honey syrup, often flavored with orange blossom water or other citrus juices. It’s also what makes it hard to eat hot baklava—be patient and let it cool!

Baklava recipes vary and can be made with different nuts and in different shapes. Some Greek bakeries make pistachio baklava, baklava rolls, and even add other modern twists.
Baklava Recipe 

2. Rizogalo (Greek Rice Pudding)

Greek rice pudding, Rizogalo — Rizogalo, or Greek rice pudding, is sometimes drizzled with honey.

Main Ingredients: Milk, rice, vanilla, lemon, orange, sugar, and cinnamon.

Rizogalo is the Greek version of creamy rice pudding. This dish combines rice with milk and warm flavors like vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon.

This traditional Greek dessert is a reminder of how a few simple ingredients can make your taste buds delightfully happy.

It’s also very versatile! Served chilled in the summer, it’s refreshing. Served warm in the winter, it’s comforting. Served in the morning, it’s a wonderful breakfast! 
Rizogalo Recipe 

3. Portokalopita (Greek Orange Phyllo Cake)

Greek orange phyllo cake, Portokalopita — The phyllo sheets for Portokalopita are incorporated into the cake batter.

Main Ingredients: Phyllo dough sheets, eggs, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, Greek yogurt, cinnamon, and clove.

Portokalopita is another one of the popular Greek desserts that features phyllo sheets. The word “pita” can mean “pie,” as in the Greek appetizers spanakopita (spinach pie) and kreatopita (Greek meat pie). But “pita” can also mean “cake,” and this dessert is most definitely an orange cake.  

Although phyllo is a key component, you will not see layers of phyllo pastry as you do in baklava, and other ingredients are not wrapped in sheets of phyllo as they are in many Greek pie recipes.

For this Greek dessert recipe, the phyllo is actually dried out and folded into the cake batter. It’s the perfect use for torn phyllo sheets unfit for pies!
Portokalopita Recipe 

4. Revani (Greek Orange Semolina Cake with Orange Syrup) 

Greek Orange Semolina Cake, Revani — Revani, a popular Greek dessert for special occasions. Photo by Sugar Salt Magic

Main Ingredients: Fine semolina flour, all-purpose flour, orange juice, oranges, vanilla extract, unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, Greek yogurt, and crushed pistachios.

Do the Greeks really need two orange cakes? They sure do! The Greek revani cake has a couple of distinguishing characteristics that make it a popular dessert for a special occasion.

First, there’s the orange syrup that is poured on top of the cake once it reaches room temperature. This makes it super moist.

Second is the topping. Glazed with Greek yogurt and chopped pistachios, this simple orange cake is both stunning and delicious.
Revani Recipe

5. Galaktoboureko (Greek Custard Pie) 

Greek Custard Pie, Galaktoboureko — Galaktoboureko, a delicious dessert in Greece for custard lovers. Photo by Global Kitchen Travels

Main ingredients: Milk, semolina, cornstarch, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, phyllo sheets, butter, orange juice, and brandy.

Galaktoboureko is a beloved Greek dessert with a phyllo crust and creamy custard filling. These custard pies are so tasty that they are often served during Easter and other festive holidays.

Many countries have custard desserts, like the famous French food creme brûlée, Spain’s crema Catalana, and the Mexican dessert flan (a Dia de los Muertos food).

In the U.S., we love our frozen custard—especially in St. Louis, New York, and on the Ocean City Boardwalk on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.  

They are all scrumptious, but each one is unique. Galaktoboureko is the only one with phyllo drenched in a sweet syrup that often contains brandy.
Galaktoboureko Recipe

6. Patsavouropita (Ruffled Milk Pie) 

Main ingredients: Phyllo dough, butter, heavy whipping cream, milk, vanilla beans, eggs, brown sugar, and lemon zest.

Patsavouropita, or ruffled milk pie, is another type of custard pie. The biggest difference between this and Galaktoboureko is the texture.

For this Greek dessert recipe, phyllo dough is made in rose shapes and pre-baked in a springform pan. The custard is then poured in and the pie is baked again.

The custard layered between folds of the crispy phyllo dough has a wonderful crunchy-creamy contrast that everyone will love.
Patsavouropita Recipe 

7. Ekmek Kataifi

Individual Ekmek Kataifi — Ekmek Kataifi can make impressive individually-portioned desserts. Photo by Pastry Wishes

Main ingredients: Sugar, honey, lemon juice, lemon peel, cinnamon, shredded phyllo dough, walnuts, heavy cream, pistachios, egg yolks, milk, and butter.

This classic Greek dessert uses shredded phyllo dough, sometimes called kataifi dough. The dough is baked crispy, and topped with custard, whipped cream, and nuts. It’s the perfect mix of smooth and crispy yumminess!

Do not attempt to shred your own phyllo; you can purchase it shredded. It will be frozen; just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using. When you gently pull it apart, it will resemble fine noodles.

You can make one large Ekmek Kataifi in a large casserole pan, or, for individual servings, you can create crispy nests of kataifi pastry in a set of dessert glasses.
Ekmek Kataifi Recipe

8. Einai Keiki Mori (Lemon Olive Oil Cake)

Lemon Olive Oil Cake, Einai Keiki Mori — Lemon Olive Oil Cake, a wonderfully refreshing Greek cake. Photo by Craving Something Healthy

Main Ingredients: Almond flour, corn meal, eggs, sugar, olive oil, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

If you are looking for a gluten-free Greek dessert, Einai Keiki Mori, aka Lemon Olive Oil Cake, is a great option.

The beauty of this cake is in the refreshing lemons. I highly recommend using fresh, not bottled, juice.

Also, while traditional recipes may not have used springform pans, this recipe works best with one. Your cake will turn out perfect every time! 
Einai Keiki Mori Recipe

9. Kourabiedes (Greek Christmas Cookies)

Main Ingredients: All-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, butter, almond extract, and sliced almonds.

Kourabiedes date back to the days when Greece was ruled by the Ottoman Empire. But make no mistake, they are a traditional Greek cookie nonetheless.

Specifically, they are shortbread almond cookies known for their crumbly texture and rich buttery flavor. Dusted with powdered sugar, they’re similar to Italian and Mexican cookies that are popular during Christmastime.

In Greece, depending on the region of the country, different nuts or flavorings may be used. For example, some variations incorporate a hint of rosewater or brandy.

I grew up making Italian Christmas cookies with my family every year. Likewise, Greek families often prepare Kourabiedes as part of their festive traditions.

You can make Kourabiedes while you make one of these: Christmas Fudge Recipes
Kourabiedes Recipe 

10. Karithopita/Karidopita (Greek Walnut Cake) 

Main Ingredients: All-purpose flour, butter, sugar, milk, walnuts, cinnamon, cloves, and lemon. 

The traditional Greek walnut cake, karithopita (sometimes karidopita) has a delightful sweetness that is balanced by its nutty flavor.  

A favorite in many Greek households, karithopita is often enjoyed on special occasions. It is a staple during Christmas and Easter celebrations.

As is the case with many desserts in Greece, recipes for karithopita are passed down through generations, each family having its own twists.
Karithopita Recipe

11. Loukoumades (Greek Donuts)

Main Ingredients: Lukewarm water, lukewarm milk, active dry yeast, sugar, olive oil, and vegetable oil.

No Greek festival would be complete without loukoumades!

Loukoumades, often called Greek donuts, are deep-fried dough balls. These treats are a staple Greek street food, often enjoyed warm and fresh out of the fryer. You can also order them at bakeries and cafes from Athens to the far-flung islands, and even as far away as Limassol, Cyprus.

They remind me of the Italian dessert, struffoli, one of the famous foods from Naples in the Campania region of Italy. Both types of fried dough are drizzled with honey. But loukoumades have a fluffier texture, which I prefer. (Please don’t tell my mom.)  

Fancier versions of these Greek sweets may have a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts. In some Greek homes, they serve loukoumades alongside spoon sweets, which are basically fruit jams or preserves.

For an especially delicious treat, serve your loukoumades topped with ice cream! YUM!!! 
Loukoumades Recipe

12. Koulourakia (Greek Butter Cookies)

Greek butter cookies, Koulourakia — Greeks love to dunk Koulourakia. Photo by Fresh Cooky

Main Ingredients: Water, cinnamon sticks, salted butter, cane sugar, vanilla extract, cake flour, all-purpose flour, eggs, and baking powder.

Koulourakia are traditional Greek butter cookies known for their unique braided shape. These cookies hold a special place in Greek culture, particularly during Easter celebrations.

Families often bake large batches to share with loved ones. The preparation of koulourakia becomes a bonding activity, bringing together generations in the kitchen.

Koulourakia also appear at various family gatherings throughout the year. Greeks consider them a dunking cookie and enjoy them with a cup of coffee (strong Greek coffee, that is) or tea. 
Koulourakia Recipe 

13. Melomakarona (Greek Honey Cookies)

Main Ingredients: All-purpose flour, cinnamon, cloves, unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, olive oil, fresh orange juice, orange zest and orange peel, honey, and walnuts.

If you want to get a jump on your holiday baking, Melomakarona are the perfect sweet treat to start with—especially if you love honey! They will last at least a couple of weeks stored in an airtight container.

These traditional Greek cookies incorporate a blend of spices such as cinnamon and cloves. After baking, they are soaked in an infused honey syrup and then topped with chopped walnuts.

Melomakarona are one of the typical Greek desserts served for Christmas.
Melomakarona Recipe 

14. Tsoureki (Greek Easter Sweet Bread)

Greek Sweet Bread, Tsoureki — Tsoureki, a Greek sweet bread most often eaten at Easter time

Main Ingredients: Bread flour, milk, butter, vanilla extract, ground mastic, ground mahlep, active dry yeast, sugar, eggs, cardamom, orange zest, and almond slivers.

This Greek sweet bread is often enjoyed during special occasions, particularly Easter, when colored eggs are included in the bread itself or accompany the bread on a serving plate.

Tsoureki is a braided bread with a soft texture and unique flavor from two key ingredients: ground mastic and mahlep. In case these are new to you, mastic is a resin from trees on the island of Chios in northern Greece. Equally special, mahlep is a spice made from the pits of St. Lucie cherries, which come from a tree native to the Middle East.

If you don’t have a Middle Eastern or Greek market nearby, you can order these ingredients online. Or, you can choose to omit them from your recipe. Just know that your sweet breads won’t have the truly authentic flavor of Tsoureki.
Tsoureki Recipe 

15. Greek Semolina Halva

Greek Halva — Greek halva is made with semolina, not sesame seeds.

Main Ingredients: Semolina, orange peel, sugar, water, cinnamon, olive oil, and almonds.

The name of this dessert may have you thinking of the Middle Eastern halva made from sesame seeds that is a common street food in Israeli, Turkish, and other Mediterranean cuisines.

However, in Greece, Halva is a semolina-based dessert similar to a pudding cake. Traditional recipes often feature nuts, raisins, and spices, in addition to the main components of semolina, honey, and sugar.  
Greek Halva Recipe 