Top 30 Best Greek Desserts

From baklava and other filo pastry-based desserts to loukoumades, here are the best Greek desserts, all in one place. Greece is known as the cradle of Western civilization for a reason, and Greek desserts arguably might be one of them. Check out these recipes for Greek desserts and find your favorite.

Jump to:

• Best Greek Dessert Recipes
• 1. Baklava
• 2. Baklava Cheesecake
• 3. Loukoumades
• 4. Greek Revani Cake (Ravani)
• 5. Portokalopita - Greek Orange Pie
• 6. Galatopita
• 7. Bougatsa
• 8. Ruffled Milk Pie (Greek Patsavouropita)
• 9. Lemon and Blueberry Soufra
• 10. Muakacha (Phyllo Crinkle Dessert)
• 11. Karithopita (Greek Walnut Cake)
• 12. Milopita - Greek Apple Cake
• 13. Greek Ekmek Kataifi
• 14. Koulourakia
• 15. Greek Semolina Halva
• 16. Baklava Bars
• 17. Tsoureki
• 18. Lemon Halva Tart
• 19. Rizogalo
• 20. Almond Halva
• 21. Vasilopita (Greek New Year's Bread)
• 22. Chocolate Salami – Greek Kormos/Mosaiko
• 23. Kunafolis
• 24. Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake
• 25. Fanouropita
• 26. Grape Spoon Sweet
• 27. Pistachio Baklava Cake
• 28. Melomakarona
• 29. Amygdalota
• 30. Greek Olive Oil Cookies
• Greek Desserts FAQs
• Related Greek Dessert Recipes
• Top 30 Best Greek Desserts

Whether you're searching for classic Greek recipes for Baklava or a more unusual regional dessert, this list of popular Greek desserts has you covered. In conclusion, bring your sweet tooth!

Best Greek Dessert Recipes

1. Baklava

Baklava is a Greek delicacy that is certainly renowned around the world. There are layers of crisp phyllo pastry, crunchy chopped nuts, and a delicious honey syrup. It's sweet, nutty, and crispy, all in one. Baklavas are available at every cafe in Greece any day of the year. And surely, it is the best thing that you can make with almost any kind of nut.

Baklava is always in the top 10 Greek desserts, and it's one of the most famous European desserts, too.

2. Baklava Cheesecake

Imagine all the crisp, sweet nuttiness of traditional Greek baklava and then pair it with smooth, silky, and rich cheesecake. First, phyllo pastry sheets are laid in a cake pan to form a shell. Then, a rich cream cheese cheesecake is poured in and baked. Finally, the crisp filo pastry casing is drizzled in honey rose syrup after baking.

Simply put, each and every bite has the most delicious and irresistible combination of both flavor and texture. One of my favorite types of cheesecakes.

3. Loukoumades

Here is a traditional Greek dessert so special it was served to winners at the first-ever Olympic games in 776 BC! Light, fluffy, and pillowy Greek donuts are one of those bite-sized desserts you simply have to try.

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and drizzled in sweet honey and chopped nuts? Certainly, what's not to love? In fact, they're one of my favorite types of donuts.

4. Greek Revani Cake (Ravani)

Greek baking recipes use a lot of semolina, which gives baked goods the most amazing texture. Bake Revani cake and then soak it in syrup; believe me, it is super tasty. Customize Revani cake to your tastes, and garnish it with fresh fruit, nuts, or both!

What's more, it tastes even better the next day. So if you are too busy to bake, this is certainly an option for you.

5. Portokalopita - Greek Orange Pie

Portokalopita is a classic Greek dessert cake made from phyllo pastry and Greek yogurt and then infused with syrup post-baking. But whilst it's referred to as a pie, Portokalopita is actually a dense cake. And sometimes called a Greek orange phyllo cake. "Portokali" is a Greek term that translates to "orange", while "Pita" means pie.

The citrus taste is super refreshing, and the soft crunch of phyllo is surely irresistible. It tastes amazing at any time of the year! But arguably, top with whipped cream for the best taste.

6. Galatopita

Greek milk custard pie, or Galatopita, is one of the Greek custard desserts enjoyed at Easter and originates from the Peloponnese region of Greece. And if you have ever eaten it before, then you'll remember its rich, sweet taste and unique texture. It's irresistible! Spiked with a dose of cinnamon spice, it even tastes good straight out of the fridge.

Slice Greek custard pie into slabs, or bars and dust with extra cinnamon before serving. Simply put, it's irresistible! Greek desserts with custard are always popular.

7. Bougatsa

Whilst authentic Greek bougatsa might look complicated, it is a lot easier to make than you might think! Layers of phyllo dough filled with silky semolina custard and dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon certainly sound delicious. Then drizzle with Greek honey and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

Bougatsa certainly tastes best at room temperature with a cup of strong Greek coffee. But make sure you have enough, as everyone always wants a second slice.

8. Ruffled Milk Pie (Greek Patsavouropita)

Phyllo pastry is amazing because it can be shaped and folded. And the paper-thin pastry sheets go amazingly light and crispy when baked. Ruffled milk pie is a delicacy in Greece. Interestingly, the name patsavouropita translates as "rag" because the pastry looks a bit like fabric!

It is folded in an accordion style and then fitted into a pan, and a custard flavored with orange zest poured over the top. In conclusion, this is an irresistible sweet and crunchy Greek dessert.

9. Lemon and Blueberry Soufra

The custard filling in this Greek soufra recipe puffs up around the pastry as it bakes and creates the fluffiest, airiest texture. Certainly, you won't be able to get enough! Whole, fresh blueberries add a burst of fruity flavor with each bite. Undoubtedly, this is getting added to my list of blueberry desserts.

10. Muakacha (Phyllo Crinkle Dessert)

How beautiful does this Greek dessert look? You can surely imagine the crunch as you cut into it with a knife. Muakacha recipes are often flavored with rose water, cardamom, and orange blossom. But you can keep it super simple, too, with just cinnamon, nuts, and honey. Serve muakacha on its own, or it certainly tastes delicious with vanilla ice cream.

11. Karithopita (Greek Walnut Cake)

Karithopita, or Greek walnut cake falls into the category of Greek syrup desserts known as siropiasta, or syrup desserts. Load traditional syrup cake with crunchy walnuts and warm spices. It's moist, sticky, and delicious, so simply put, you have to try it! Most Greek households will have their own family recipe. And it's certainly time you make Karithopita, too.

Want to learn more about honey and syrups? Read my honey substitution guide.

12. Milopita - Greek Apple Cake

Greek apple pie contains both grated and finely chopped apples for the best flavor and texture, and it's certainly divine! Greek olive oil replaces butter, but the low acidity means there is no bitter taste, and it lends itself very well to sweet baked desserts.

If you're a fan of fall desserts and want to make something with apples, you should certainly try this! In fact, why not try a new take on an apple tart this year?

13. Greek Ekmek Kataifi

This beautiful dessert is as pretty as a picture and tastes incredible, too. Kataifi dough is a form of shredded phyllo dough, and it's super crispy and delicate.

To make it, layer baked crispy shredded dough with creamy custard, thick whipped cream, and pistachios. It's a rich yet refreshing dessert often served in spring or summer and tastes wonderful with fresh fruit. You will often find it made with Greek clotted cream if you can find it!

14. Koulourakia

Buttery Greek Easter cookies are sweet but not too sweet and certainly addictive! Make cute twists, circles, S-shapes, or swirls; it's super fun to create your own Greek butter cookies shapes. Easter cookies are often sprinkled with sesame seeds, flavored with vanilla, or scented with orange zest. Undoubtedly, it's a Greek treat you have to try.

15. Greek Semolina Halva

Many countries claim the origin of Halva, but Greece certainly has a very strong claim. Apparently, Greeks enjoyed halva in early Byzantine times! One thing is for certain, though: it is delicious. Sometimes, it is made in a brick, but in this Greek halva recipe, it is a Greek semolina cake made in a bundt pan. Start by toasting semolina flour and then soak it with hot syrup and spices.

Then, slice this Greek dessert up and serve it with coffee. Certainly, no one will be able to stop after just one piece.

16. Baklava Bars

I love fun twists on classic Greek recipes! And I certainly love baking twists on baklava. Whilst the layer of caramel adds an extra step to the recipe, it is definitely worth it. You will need to find orange blossom water to flavor it, but trust me, it is a special ingredient worth hunting down.

Baklava bars certainly make a great potluck dessert as they are very portable, and you can slice them up into small individual portions.

17. Tsoureki

I love trying all of the different celebration breads made for Easter around the world. Sweet Greek Easter bread, or Tsoureki, is reminiscent of Challah with its beautiful, bouncy braid. The glossy finish is the signature finish, and you won't believe the texture.

Whilst it does take quite a while to make, it is certainly worth the effort and time. It's similar in a lot of ways to brioche. In conclusion, if you love rich and buttery sweet breads, you surely have to try this!

18. Lemon Halva Tart

I love how dainty and elegant this twist on a classic Halva is. Packed with flavor and certainly beautiful, too. Almond flour gives pastry a bit of extra texture and nutty flavor; I use it in my classic pate sablee. And the chopped pistachio nuts on top add even more!

Then, grated strands of lemon zest lift the whole dessert and give it a light, refreshing taste of citrus tang. Serve this Greek dessert at an elegant brunch party or after a luncheon. It will surely be popular! But you might need to make two.

19. Rizogalo

Rizagalo is a traditional Greek rice pudding that is the most perfect comfort food. It's simple to make and suitable even for novice cooks, too! The secret to achieving the best rizogalo texture lies in high-quality ingredients and a gentle, slow cooking method. It needs to be over low heat. But you won't believe the creamy texture of this beloved Greek dessert.

20. Almond Halva

You often see bricks of traditional halva in Greek food markets. It is made with tahini (sesame seed paste) and sugar and whilst you will need a sugar thermometer and a bit of focus, it's so worth the effort. Make this halva recipe with crunchy almonds, and then slice it up and enjoy.

This is surely a Greek dessert recipe that was designed to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee. Halva texture is very unique, you surely have to try it.

21. Vasilopita (Greek New Year's Bread)

Whilst this Greek bread recipe is designed to be eaten during the New Year celebrations, I would certainly eat it every day of the year! Super sweet and moist, baked with eggs and milk, with orange zest, and topped with crunchy sesame seeds? Simply put, it's irresistible.

Vasilopita makes a delicious breakfast, and I sometimes use it as an alternative to French toast brioche.

22. Chocolate Salami – Greek Kormos/Mosaiko

The name of this Greek dessert is so perfectly descriptive; because it certainly looks just like salami! I love easy no-bake desserts. It is eggless and made with crushed cookies, chocolate, and nuts and formed into a log. In fact, in Greece, it is also called Kormos, which means tree log!

Slice up and serve this Greek chocolate dessert after dinner with coffee or as a snack with tea in the afternoon.

23. Kunafolis

Undoubtedly, this is possibly one of the prettiest Greek desserts I've seen. Kunafoli shells are made from fine threads of phyllo pastry. Simply bake, soak in syrup, and then pipe full of delicious mascarpone cream filling. Garnish with dried rose petals, and sprinkle crushed pistachios over the top.

Greek baked desserts often use pistachio nuts. And they're one of my favorites! Try some of these pistachio desserts if you also love pistachio nuts.

24. Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake

I love to bake with Greek yogurt. Its unique, thick, and creamy texture adds richness and moisture. But it also has a delicious level of acidity that lifts everything. Greek yogurt cake is rich and moist, tender and tasty with the most amazing chocolatey flavor. Drizzle chocolate glaze over the top to double down on the surely irresistible taste.

Love chocolate? Bake one of these other tasty chocolate desserts.

25. Fanouropita

Every year, on the 27th of August, bake and enjoy Fanouropita to celebrate the feast day of St Fanourios, who is the Saint of all things lost. Whilst it can be made in a few different ways, the main common ingredients are oil, flour, ground cinnamon, and orange juice. Add dried fruits to give more texture to the cake; it's an understandably popular addition!

26. Grape Spoon Sweet

The roots of spoon sweets go back a long way. Spoon sweets are a traditional Greek dessert made from preserved fruits suspended in thick syrup and served on a spoon. Spoon sweets are classic signs of Greek hospitality, and they are also easy to make. The traditional recipe is to boil quince in wine and place the fruit into honey or grape molasses. Which surely sounds irresistible. In conclusion, they are delicious!

27. Pistachio Baklava Cake

Now, here is a fancy dessert to impress. Tender pistachio sponge cake doused with orange and rose water syrup and layered with leaves of crispy phyllo pastry to create a baklava style. After assembly, more syrup is brushed over the cake, and crushed pistachios are pressed into the sides to form the most stunning of Greek cakes.

28. Melomakarona

Greek Christmas cookies are a famous Greek dessert enjoyed during the holiday season and often given as gifts. Every Greek family has their own recipe for Melomakarona and bakes huge batches of them, ready for the season of giving. Made with oil, butter, flour, and spices, the name translates from Greek to "honey macaroons," which sound equally delicious!

29. Amygdalota

Greek Almond Cookies (amygdalota) are crunchy, chewy, and, simply put, irresistible! The addition of almond flour and chunks of almonds pressed into the cookie dough gives the most amazing nutty flavor and crunch. What's more, there are only 5 ingredients in these Greek cookies.

Be sure to bake a double batch of these modern Greek desserts, as they will surely be popular!

30. Greek Olive Oil Cookies

Baking Greek cookies with olive oil is surely going to become your new favorite recipe. Koulourakia is a delicious Greek treat, and the name comes from the word Koulouri, which is a round and hollow cookie. A beautiful crunchy donut-shaped cookie, often made with orange juice or even Metaxa brandy. Certainly, it's not possible to eat just one.

Greek Desserts FAQs

Related Greek Dessert Recipes