Step 1 of 6
Galaktoboureko
Make the syrup first. Put the sugar, water, lemon peel and cinnamon in a saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Simmer 5 minutes, add the squeeze of lemon juice, and leave to cool completely.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Galaktoboureko take?
3 hr 40 min all in — 40 min prep, 1 hr cook, 2 hr rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 15 pieces. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat, Milk, Eggs. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Saucepan, Mixing bowl, Baking tray, Oven, Chef's knife.
How much salt do I put in?
This recipe does not list a salt amount. We will not invent one.
How much sugar?
300 g of Sugar.
How much sugar?
150 g (half with the milk, half with the eggs) of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
Melted butter for the filo → Clarified butter or ghee. No milk solids to burn, so the top bakes crisper and more evenly. This is what most pastry shops use.
What should I watch for?
Keep whisking while the semolina goes in, or it forms lumps that will not cook out.
Any tips from this recipe?
Cold syrup on a hot pie, or hot syrup on a cold pie. Never both hot, never both cold. Once cool, keep it covered in the fridge, because the custard is milk and egg; it keeps three days. The filo softens there, so let a piece sit out for half an hour before eating.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.