Greek Flan

Golden, creamy, and kissed with citrus and honey, Greek Flan — or Galaktoboureko — is a beloved dessert that blends flaky phyllo pastry with silky semolina custard. Baked to perfection and soaked in fragrant lemon-cinnamon syrup, every bite melts with the sweetness of Greek tradition. It’s a dessert often shared during family gatherings and celebrations, offering a perfect balance of crispness, creaminess, and aroma. Whether served warm or chilled, this dish captures the comforting essence of Greek home cooking in the most delightful way.

Ingredients (8–10 servings)

For the custard

• Whole milk: 1 liter (4 cups)

• Fine semolina: 120 g (¾ cup)

• Granulated sugar: 150 g (¾ cup)

• Unsalted butter: 60 g (4 Tbsp)

• Eggs: 4 large, room temp

• Vanilla extract: 2 tsp (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)

• Lemon zest: from 1 lemon

• Pinch of salt

For the phyllo & assembly

• Phyllo sheets: 10–12 sheets (about 1 package, thawed)

• Unsalted butter (melted) or clarified butter: 150–180 g (⅔–¾ cup) for brushing

For the scented syrup

• Water: 240 ml (1 cup)

• Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup)

• Honey (optional but lovely): 1 Tbsp

• Lemon peel: 3–4 wide strips

• Cinnamon stick: 1

• Lemon juice: 1 tsp (to finish)

Equipment

9×13 in (23×33 cm) baking pan, medium saucepan, whisk, pastry brush.

Step-by-step

1) Make the syrup first (so it can cool)

1. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, honey, lemon peel, and cinnamon stick.

2. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, discard cinnamon. Cool to room temp.

2) Prepare the custard

1. Heat milk with vanilla and lemon zest in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming (not boiling).

2. In a bowl, whisk sugar, semolina, and salt together (this helps avoid lumps).

3. While whisking the hot milk, rain in the semolina mixture. Keep whisking; cook 4–6 minutes until thick, smooth, and just bubbling.

4. Remove from heat; whisk in butter until glossy. Let the mixture cool 5 minutes.

5. Lightly beat eggs in a bowl. Temper: whisk a ladle of warm custard into the eggs, then pour eggs back into the pan, whisking constantly. Custard should be silky and pourable. Set aside, covered (touching surface with film).

3) Layer the phyllo

1. Heat oven to 170°C/340°F.

2. Brush your pan with melted butter. Lay a phyllo sheet in the pan, letting edges overhang; brush with butter. Repeat with 6–7 sheets, buttering each (rotate sheets so edges overhang all sides for a sturdy base).

3. Pour in the custard; level the top.

4. Fold in the overhanging phyllo to partially cover the custard (butter the folds).

5. Top with 4–5 more phyllo sheets, buttering each. Tuck edges down the sides to seal. Brush the top liberally with butter.

6. With a sharp knife, lightly score the top into serving squares/diamonds (don’t cut all the way through).

4) Bake

• Bake 40–50 minutes until the top is deep golden and the custard is set (a little wobble in the center is fine).

5) Syrup it (hot-meets-cool rule)

• As soon as the pastry comes out hot, slowly ladle the cool syrup evenly over the surface (you may not need every drop; stop when nicely soaked but not swimming). It will sizzle and absorb.

6) Rest & serve

• Let it rest at least 1 hour to set (room temp). Serve warm or at room temp. Optional: dust with cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Can Greek Flan be made vegan or gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with a vegan egg replacer and use coconut cream instead of dairy products. For gluten-free, simply ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What are the best side dishes to serve with Greek Flan?

Simple side dishes like fresh fruit salad or a light Greek yogurt with honey pair beautifully with Greek Flan.

How long does it take to prepare Greek Flan?

Preparation takes around 15 minutes, with an additional 45 minutes of baking time, plus chilling time.

Can I freeze Greek Flan for later?

Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to a month.

What variations can I try with Greek Flan?

Consider adding ingredients like cinnamon, cardamom, or nuts for different flavor profiles. Some enjoy adding a layer of fruit compote on top!

Can I make Greek Flan without caramel?

While caramel is a traditional component, you can skip it and create a *Greek Flan* topped with fresh fruits or whipped cream.

Is Greek Flan suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! Its unique flavor and presentation make it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration.

Greek Flan is a delightful blend of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors that will surely impress anyone who tries it. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience that brings a taste of Greece to your home. Be sure to try making Greek Flan at home, and you’ll see why everyone loves it.

Tried this Greek Flan recipe? Let us know your experience in the comments! Happy cooking!