Greek Custard Pie

Greek Custard Pie
4.5 from 2 ratings
Greek custard pie, known as galaktoboureko, is unlike pie in the traditional American sense. It’s baked in a rectangular pan, the custard is made with semolina (which gives it a slightly grainy texture) and the light crust comes from layers of paper-thin phyllo dough. It's a very popular Greek dessert that's simple, but delicious.This recipe is from Greek Islands Taverna in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and was originally published in the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Prep Time
15
minutes
Cook Time
55
minutes
Servings
18
servings
Greek Custard Pie recipe - The Daily Meal
Total time: 1.15 hours
Ingredients
  • 2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 14 phyllo dough sheets, thawed
  • semolina custard (recipe follows)
  • 6 cup milk
  • 7 large eggs
  • 1 cup fine semolina
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Directions
  1. In a small saucepan over medium high heat, combine 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water and 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, stir in 2 tablespoons honey and set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish.
  3. Layer the bottom and sides of pan (allowing some overhang) with 8 sheets of phyllo dough, each brushed with melted butter.
  4. Pour the semolina custard into the pan and spread evenly. Fold overhanging phyllo onto custard.
  5. Layer the remaining 6 phyllo sheets over the top, brushing each sheet with butter. Use a sharp knife to make a diagonal slice on the top to allow steam to escape.
  6. Bake until phyllo is crisp and golden brown, about 40 minutes.
  7. Slowly ladle the cold lemon syrup over the galaktoboureko, letting each spoonful absorb. Allow to cool, cut into squares and serve.
  8. Into a large saucepan, pour 6 cups milk. Bring to a boil over low heat. Remove from heat.
  9. While waiting for milk to boil, in a bowl whisk together 7 large eggs, 1 cup fine semolina and 3/4 cup sugar until thoroughly combined.
  10. Using a wooden spoon, gradually stir egg mixture into milk until combined. Cook over low heat until custard starts to bubble and remove from heat.
  11. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest and stir until combined. Makes about 8 cups.