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    Home » Dessert

    Bougatsa - Greek Filo Custard Pie

    Published: Apr 8, 2021 · Modified: Jul 16, 2022 by Radwa · This post may contain affiliate links. 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Bougatsa is a crispy Greek filo custard pie made with a creamy custard layer between golden brown crispy filo sheets, with melted butter and topped with cinnamon sugar. Bougatsa is a traditional Greek dessert that is so creamy and easy to make.

    Bougatsa is a Greek Filo custard pie

    This dish is perfect for breakfast or an evening snack with a drink of your choice. You can also make this dish with different types of savoury fillings such as cheese, veggies or meat.

    What is the origin of Bougatsa – Greek Filo Custard Pie?

    Bougatsa is a Greek speciality of Byzantine origin. It is a very old recipe that originated in Asia Minor when the city belonged to the Greeks. During that time, the Byzantine region was famous for its traditional desserts, sweet pies, including Bougatsa.

    This recipe was then imported by immigrants. Bougatsa remains a speciality of the region to this day, particularly in the towns of Serres, Thessaloniki and Veria. Today, you may find it in almost every bakery and cafe in Greece.

    Bougatsa is a Greek Filo custard pie

    What is filo/phyllo pastry sheets?

    One of the main ingredients of this this dessert recipe is filo/phyllo pastry. Filo/Phyllo is made from flour, water, oil or butter. The dough is stretched for a long time by hand or with a rolling pin to achieve a very thin result, and the butter/oil is brushed between the layers, which turn crispy as it cooks. It is a very advanced cooking process and is quite time-consuming; hence we use ready-made frozen filo pastry sheets.

    Why this recipe works?

    This creamy, delicious filo custard pie may sound like it is difficult to make because arranging the phyllo layers needs some explanation the first time you make them. The warm crispy filo pastry, along with icing sugar on top, filled with this velvety custard cream oozing out of it, is simply divine.

    All it takes to create this dessert are few ingredients, the ready-made filo and the classic custard cream and the toppings. It also makes a great alternative for breakfast with any drink you fancy.

    Bougatsa or custard pie

    What's in this Bougatsa?

    • Filo pastry sheets: The ready-made filo pastry sheets are thawed and covered with a damp towel.
    • Butter: Melted, unsalted butter for brushing each layer of the filo sheets and for greasing the baking tray.

    For the cream:

    • Milk: Use skimmed milk or whole milk. Using skimmed milk/lactose-free milk can save you a few calories.
    • Sugar: Use granulated sugar or organic cane sugar.
    • All-purpose flour: Flour for the well-made custard consistency.
    • Eggs: Use the eggs that are of room temperature for the balance
      between the eggs and flour that provides a great texture to the dessert.
    • Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best tasting dessert.

    For the toppings:

    • Ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a distinctive flavour. Using the best quality cinnamon makes all the difference.
    • Powdered sugar: Use it for seasoning to get the extra added flavour.
    Bougatsa or custard pie

    How to make Bougatsa?

    Making the custard:

    • In a large mixing bowl, add sugar, flour and eggs, whisk well until combined.
    • Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat (not boiling). Once the milk becomes hot, add the vanilla extract, stir, then turn off the heat.
    • Now, pour the milk in a tiny stream over the flour mixture, constantly stirring.
    • Next, pour the mixture back into the saucepan over low heat and whisk vigorously until the mixture has thickened (for about 2-3 minutes), then remove from the heat.
    • Cover the custard with plastic wrap, stick the plastic wrap to the top of the custard to prevent forming crust or skin on the top. Then put it in the fridge.

    Making the Bougatsa:

    lay half of the filo sheets one by one on the tray
    Fold the filo sheet flaps over the custard.
    • Preparations: Preheat the oven to 170C. Grease a 2030 cm baking tray with butter or line with parchment pepper.
    • Now, lay half of the filo sheets one by one on the baking tray and don't forget to brush each layer with melted butter. Then spread the custard equally on the top. Fold the filo sheet flaps over the custard.
      Then top the custard with the rest of the filo sheets, brushing each layer with melted butter.
    • Next, use a sharp knife to cut the filo custard pie however you like, then brush the top with butter.

    Baking: Bake it for 40-45 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
    Take it out of the oven and quickly sprinkle with the mix of powder sugar and ground cinnamon (cinnamon sugar), then serve.

    Top Tips

    • If the filo sheets break during the process, simply put them together as they are not noticeable after its baked.
    • To make sure the phyllo turns as crunchy as possible, place the baking tray/pan in the highest rank in the oven so the air can reach both the top and bottom of the pan/tray.
    • Another tip for crispier phyllo is to sprinkle the melted butter over the phyllo sheets rather than brushing them.
    • If you have leftover filo, you can make triangles with leftover pieces or freeze them for later.
    • Take your Filo pastry 2 hours before you use it from your freezer to bring it up to room temperature.
    • An easy way to cut this dessert is to use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife.
    • If you like a thick top crust layer then, add 1-2 more filo sheets on top and tuck the excess of the filo into the pan. And don't forget to brush/sprinkle them with butter.
    • Sprinkle more icing sugar when you’re about to serve. Sometimes, the steam coming out of the pastry makes the sugar wet.
    • Do not refrigerate this dessert right after baking, as it may become soggy.
    Bougatsa is a Greek Filo custard pie

    Recipe Variations

    Bougatsa is versatile and flexible, which can be made with different fillings as different regions in Greece make their versions of it.

    These Bougatsas have both sweet and savoury variations.
    Bougatsa with feta cheese, minced meat, pumpkin are the most made Bougatsas in Greece.

    Recipe Suggestions

    Bougatsas are usually eaten as breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea. Although it can be a filling dessert or an evening snack. You can serve it with:

    • Sahlab (mediterranean milk pudding)
    • Healthy mango smoothie
    Bougatsa recipe

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I store Bougatsa?

    Once you take a bite of these finger-licking Bougatsas, you’ll most likely not need to store them. However, it stays crisp for at least a day covered with a cloth or with plastic wrap. It is best to consume them fresh.

    Can I make Bougatsa ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare it, butter it well and store it in the freezer for 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, place it straight in the oven to bake and serve warm.

    What is the alternative for vanilla extract?

    You can use orange zest from 1 orange.

    What to do to avoid dried filo?

    You can always use a clean cloth to cover the filo if you are not working with it to avoid dried filo. It takes a long time for the filo to dry, generally more than the cooking time.

    Can I reheat Bougatsa?

    It is best not to reheat. Instead, prepare the Bougatsa and store it in the freezer. When you need to serve it, place it straight into the oven and serve warm.

    Bougatsa recipe

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    Bougatsa is a Greek Filo custard pie
    Print Pin
    5 from 3 votes

    Bougatsa - Greek Filo custard pie

    Bougatsa is a traditional Greek filo custard pie made with a creamy custard layer between golden brown crispy filo sheets and topped with cinnamon sugar. This is a quick and delicious dessert you have to try.
    Course Breakfast, Dessert
    Cuisine Greek
    Keyword Bougatsa, Bougatsa recipe, Greek Filo custard pie
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 40 minutes
    Total Time 50 minutes
    Servings 9 servings
    Calories 414kcal
    Author Radwa

    Equipment

    • Baking pan
    • Measuring spoons
    • Measuring cups

    Ingredients

    • 400 g filo pastry sheets
    • ½ cup butter, melted

    For the cream

    • 1 litre milk
    • 200 g sugar
    • 150 g all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 4 eggs

    For the toppings

    • ⅛ cup ground cinnamon
    • ⅛ cup powdered sugar

    Instructions

    Making the custard

    • In a large mixing bowl, add sugar, flour and eggs, whisk well until combined.
    • Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat (not boiling). Once the milk becomes hot, add the vanilla extract, stir, then turn off the heat.
    • Now, pour the milk in a tiny stream over the flour mixture, constantly stirring.
    • Next, pour the mixture back into the saucepan over low heat and whisk vigorously until the mixture has thickened (for about 2-3 minutes), then remove from the heat.
    • Cover the custard with plastic wrap, stick the plastic wrap to the top of the custard to prevent forming crust or skin on the top. Then put it in the fridge.

    Making the Bougatsa:

    • Preparations: Preheat the oven to 170C. Grease a 2030 cm baking tray with butter or line with parchment pepper.
    • Now, lay half of the filo sheets one by one on the baking tray and don't forget to brush each layer with melted butter. Then spread the custard equally on the top. Fold the filo sheet flaps over the custard.
    • Then top the custard with the rest of the filo sheets, brushing each layer with melted butter.
    • Next, use a sharp knife to cut the Bougatsa however you like, then brush the top with butter.
    • Bake it for 40-45 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
    • Take the Bougatsa out of the oven and quickly sprinkle with the mix of powder sugar and ground cinnamon (cinnamon sugar), then serve.

    Notes

    • To make sure the phyllo turns as crunchy as possible, place the baking tray/pan in the highest rank in the oven so the air can reach both the top and bottom of the pan/tray.
    • Another tip for crispier phyllo is to sprinkle the melted butter over the phyllo sheets rather than brushing them.
    • If you have leftover filo, you can make triangles with leftover pieces or freeze them for later.
    • Take your Filo pastry 2 hours before you use it from your freezer to bring it up to room temperature.
    • An easy way to cut Bougatsa is to use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife.
    • If you like a thick top crust layer then, add 1-2 more filo sheets on top and tuck the excess of the filo into the pan. And don't forget to brush/sprinkle them with butter.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 414kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 362mg | Potassium: 98mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 567IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 3mg

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    If you have a question about this Bougatsa recipe, please leave a comment or contact me via the contact page. And if you make this recipe, don't forget to rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comment section below. Thanks for visiting my blog.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Helen

      April 09, 2021 at 3:40 pm

      5 stars
      This dessert is amazing; I really enjoyed it with a cup of milk, very easy to make and delicious.

      Reply
    2. Emma

      April 17, 2021 at 9:04 pm

      5 stars
      This Greek dessert is amazing! I used Heavy cream instead of milk, and it was so delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

      Reply

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    Hello! I’m Radwa, A wife and mother. Also, I am the recipe maker and food photographer behind Healthy Life Trainer. I love making new, simple and quick recipes every day.

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