Greek food is known for its use of Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, nuts, and seeds. However, like all cuisines in the world, Greek food has legendary desserts, too. You’ll find that Greek desserts are unique and flavorful, and they take advantage of decadent ingredients such as phyllo dough.
The best part is these Mediterranean desserts are easy to make so you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen trying to put something together.
Diving into the world of Greek desserts, you’ll discover an array of decadent treats rich in both flavor and history. Rooted in traditions that span thousands of years, these desserts showcase a blend of ingredients native to Greece and influenced by various cultures that have crossed paths with this Mediterranean nation. As you explore these sweets, you’ll not only satisfy your taste buds but also gain an appreciation for the art of Greek confectionary.
You may be familiar with popular Greek desserts like baklava and galaktoboureko, but these are just the tip of the iceberg. Greek cuisine boasts a wide selection of desserts, ranging from syrupy pastries to indulgent spoon sweets and creamy custard creations. The use of ingredients such as honey, nuts, and spices like cinnamon and clove, reflects the staple flavors of Greek sweets and adds depth to their overall taste.
As you embark on this culinary journey, prepare to be amazed by the variety of Greek desserts that cater to different preferences and occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, sharing a meal with friends, or simply in search of a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner, there’s bound to be a Greek dessert that fits the bill perfectly. So, go ahead and explore the world of Greek desserts – your taste buds will thank you for it.
Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, these Greek dessert recipes have flavor profiles that can please any palate.
Now, you can make your own Greek pastries at home without needing to order out.
Take a look at this list of 14 different Mediterranean sweets and pick out a few favorites that catch your eye.
Pasteli is an easy Greek dessert that you can make in bulk and keep on hand for when the sweet tooth hits.
This is one of those healthy recipes that are perfect for when your kids want something sweet after dinner or you’re looking to indulge in a nice cup of coffee.
Traditionally, pasteli is made with sesame seeds and honey so there’s a good chance you already have the ingredients at home.
You can even take these bars on the go so they are great to make ahead and carry with you throughout the weekdays.
This ergolavi recipe only needs a handful of ingredients, so it’s a great one to whip up when you’re craving something sweet and simple.
It could be eaten for breakfast or served as a side at dinner but it always feels like a decadent dessert when the whipped cream and chocolate sauce are added on top.
Many people think of this dish as more of an old-fashioned dish, so it’s not super popular nowadays.
However, it’s still a fantastic sweet treat with the minimal effort required to make it happen.
If you’re looking for something that’s straightforward then this ergolavi recipe is perfect for you.
You have to try this tsoureki recipe if you’re a big fan of Greek desserts.
It’s a sweet bread that’s full of flavor and perfect for your holiday table.
This is another one of those easy Greek desserts where the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores so you don’t have to resort to making a special trip just for some tsoureki.
Give it some chopped fresh apple or even dried apricots and you’ve got a treat that’s full of flavor and texture.
You’ll like this dessert so much that it might even end up in your weekly rotation when you want a sweet kick.
If you haven’t had melopita it’s like a mixture of a cake and pie. This is one of those traditional Greek sweets that’s popular throughout Greece and really any Mediterranean country could have its own version.
The inside has honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg flavor while the outside crust is flakey like a cookie.
This is one of those dishes people will think you slaved over so it’s perfect for impressing guests.
It’s also very easy to make so you can have this dish ready in no time at all.
There are many different types of Greek desserts that follow the same sort of style as melopita including diples, kourabiedes, and baklava.
Greek orange semolina cake is a unique treat because it has a cake-like texture but the semolina flour gives it an extra element of flavor.
Since this is one of those Greek desserts you can find at just about any bakery in Greece, you know that it’s going to be up to par with what your tastebuds are looking for.
You don’t have to wait till a certain time of year to make this cake since you can easily whip up a batch any time because the orange zest goes well any time of the year.
It’s also a great choice for those who are expecting company because it looks gorgeous and tastes fantastic.
Greek desserts don’t have to be labor-intensive, especially if you’re looking for something that’s simple yet still packs a lot of flavors.
These Greek-style donuts are easy to make so you can focus on the main entrees instead of needing a ton of time for a traditional Greek dessert.
You only need a few ingredients to make these treats and all you have to do is pour the batter into a pan. When you have fried dough, drizzle over some Greek honey and sprinkle on some cinnamon.
These loukomadies are a great way to use up your excess egg yolks as well as some flour and olive oil if you happen to have those lying around.
This is a perfect way to entertain the kids by making some homemade donuts but the adults will love the flavor too.
This is another one of the easy Greek desserts that go well around the winter holidays.
They are made with powdered sugar, melted butter, and egg whites.
You get a sweet treat that’s light in texture but still plenty flavorful and you could even have it with some vanilla custard to give it even more flavor.
Easily serve them up at your next get-together with friends or family, especially if you need to make something at the last minute.
They’ll be the perfect dessert for your winter party but you better make a little extra because these cookies can really fly when you put them on the table.
You can even add some pecans or chopped walnuts to the cookies to give them a little extra texture.
These cookies are usually saved for the winter holiday but you can make them year-round.
Their flavor comes from the addition of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
You also get some orange zest which gives it a nice citrusy flavor to go along with an overall sweetness. You can sub in some lemon zest if you don’t want the orange flavor.
This is one of those easy desserts you can make for your family when they’re looking for something sweet after dinner or if you need a treat during the week.
They’re also a great way to get rid of any leftovers from your holiday baking instead of letting them go bad in the freezer.
The secret is to dip your cookies in sugar syrup when you get them out of the oven. It might take a little more time, but the flavor will be out of this world.
Authentic & Easy Greek Desserts (+Pasteli)
These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
