This Creamy Custard Pastry Looks Bakery-Made—But It’s Shockingly Easy to Make at Home

Ingredients

For the Custard (Galaktoboureko Filling):

  • 1 cup fine semolina

  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

  • 4 cups whole milk

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Phyllo Dough Layers:

  • 1 package of phyllo dough (about 12 sheets)

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

For the Syrup:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar

  • 1 cup water

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 1 cinnamon stick

Steps

Preparing the Custard Filling:

1. Heat the Milk and Cream:

  • In a large saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer, but do not let it boil.

2. Add the Semolina:

  • Gradually whisk in the semolina to avoid lumps, stirring constantly. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens, forming a creamy texture (about 5-7 minutes).

3. Add Sugar and Lemon Zest:

  • Stir in the sugar and lemon zest, mixing well until the sugar is fully dissolved.

4. Temper the Eggs:

  • In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Slowly add a ladle of the hot semolina mixture to the eggs while whisking continuously to temper them. This will prevent the eggs from curdling.

  • Once tempered, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another 2 minutes until the custard is smooth and thickened.

5. Add Vanilla and Butter:

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