Galatopita Recipe (Greek Milk Pie)

Let’s make galatopita, Greek milk pie. This silky, creamy dessert is super simple to make. You’ll love the lemon and vanilla flavours in this rich treat.

Use this galatopita recipe to make a dessert, a birthday cake, or an afternoon treat. Heck, have a slice for breakfast if you like!

If you like this recipe, you’ll love this Galaktoboureko recipe (A Greek Custard Pie with Syrup), my Politiko Thessalonikis recipe (Greek Semolina Cake with Custard Cream), or try a comforting bowl of Rizogalo (Greek Rice Pudding).

What is Galatopita?

Galatopita is a creamy, dreamy Greek milk pie. It's like a dessert that's saying, "Come on, dive into this creamy delight!" 

Think of it as Greece's answer to the classic custard pie, but with that extra Mediterranean charm. It's velvety smooth, it's comforting, and it's oh-so-delicious. 

Trust me, one bite, and you'll be hooked!

Watch the short video tutorial

Why you’ll love this Galatopita recipe

Here is a handful of reasons why I can’t stop making (and eating) this dreamy pie:

• Creamy dreaminess: Imagine sinking your fork into layers of creamy custard. 
• Greek comfort food: Galatopita is the ultimate comfort food straight from Greece. It's warm, indulgent, and nostalgic, bringing back memories of home-cooked goodness.
• Simple ingredients, BIG flavour: With basic pantry staples like milk, eggs, sugar, and a hint of lemon zest, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into something magical.
• Versatility: Serve it warm or chilled, as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast (who's judging?). It's versatile enough to satisfy any craving, any time of day.
• Impressively easy: Despite its fancy-sounding name, Galatopita is surprisingly easy to make. With my clear instructions and simple techniques, even beginner bakers can nail it.

• Crowd-pleasing delight: Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, Galatopita is sure to impress. It's a party-pleaser that never fails to elicit oohs and ahhs.
• Make-ahead friendly: Whip up a batch ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve. It's a stress-free dessert option for busy days or special occasions.
• Leftovers? What Leftovers? Okay, who are we kidding? There probably won't be any leftovers. But if there are, they'll taste just as delicious the next day.

Ingredients to make Galatopita

Here’s what to gather to make this Greek milk pie:

• Milk: Use whole milk for a rich and creamy custard filling. However, you can use low-fat milk if you prefer a lighter option, but it may affect the richness of the pie.
• Fine semolina: Semolina adds a unique texture to the custard. Don’t leave it out, guys! It creates a slightly grainy yet smooth consistency. It is essential for the traditional texture of Galatopita.
• Cornstarch: This acts as a thickening agent in the custard, helping to achieve the creamy consistency. It ensures that the custard sets properly without becoming too runny. 
• Sugar: Sweetens the custard filling. Adjust the amount according to your preference for sweetness.
• Eggs: These provide structure and some richness to the custard. They also help bind the ingredients together, resulting in a smooth and silky texture. 
• Vanilla extract: Choose a high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavour.
• Lemon: The zest of lemon adds a subtle citrusy flavour to the custard, brightening up the overall taste of the pie. Make sure to use ripe lemons for the best flavour and avoid the bitter white pith!
• Butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the custard. It also helps to create a smooth and creamy texture.
• Coating: The egg, sugar, and vanilla extract mixture used for coating the top of the pie adds a glossy finish and a hint of sweetness. It's optional but enhances the presentation and flavour of the pie.

Top tips for making Galatopita

Here are my top tips to making deliciously creamy Greek milk pie:

1. Prep your ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are measured and ready to go before you start. This will help streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
2. Use quality ingredients: Since this recipe relies on simple ingredients, using high-quality milk, eggs, and butter will make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture of your Galatopita.
3. Watch the custard: When making the custard, stir constantly and watch carefully to prevent lumps from forming. It should be smooth and thickened but still pourable.
4. Zest it up: Don't skip the lemon zest! It adds a subtle citrusy flavour that brightens up the custard and balances the sweetness.
5. Let it cool: Allow your Galatopita to cool completely before slicing and serving. This gives the custard time to set and the flavors to meld together.
6. Store properly: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy them within a few days for the best taste and texture. Follow my instructions below for top results.
7. Experiment: Feel free to get creative with flavours! Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey, or try different citrus zests to customize your Galatopita to your liking.

How to store leftover Galatopita

I’ve laid out a step-by-step guide to storing your Greek milk pie:

1. Cool down: Allow the Galatopita to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation from collecting inside the container and keeps the pastry from becoming soggy.
2. Refrigerate: Transfer the leftover Galatopita to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
3. Eat withing 2-3 days: Try to eat the leftover Galatopita within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture. The longer it sits in the refrigerator, the more the pastry may lose its crispness.
4. Reheat gently: If you prefer to enjoy the Galatopita recipe warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave or in a preheated oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as it may cause the custard to become rubbery.
5. Serve cold: Alternatively, you can enjoy the leftover Galatopita recipe cold straight from the refrigerator. It still tastes delicious and makes for a refreshing treat on a warm day.

📖 Recipe