Dessert · Mediterranean ·

Fluffy Greek Bougatsa with Cinnamon and Orange Zest

Name: Fluffy Greek Bougatsa with Cinnamon and Orange Zest
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1 liter whole milk; 200g granulated sugar; 100g fine semolina; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 orange; 450g phyllo dough (approximately 12 sheets); 100g unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Bougatsa is a traditional Greek pastry, loved for its light, airy texture and delicate cinnamon and orange zest flavor.

4.5(150 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 4, 2026

Fluffy Greek Bougatsa with Cinnamon and Orange Zest — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Custard Filling

For the Phyllo Pastry

For the Topping

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 497 kcal
Protein: 9.63 g
Carbs: 70 g
Fat: 19.63 g
Fiber: 1.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3975 kcal
Protein: 77 g
Carbs: 560 g
Fat: 157 g
Fiber: 12 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 liter whole milk	640	32	48	40	0
200g granulated sugar	774	0	200	0	0
100g fine semolina	360	11	73	1	3
2 large eggs	143	12	1	10	0
1 tablespoon vanilla extract	37	0	2	0	0
Zest of 1 orange	6	0	2	0	1
450g phyllo dough (approximately 12 sheets)	1242	21	217	25	7
100g unsalted butter, melted	717	1	0	81	0
2 tablespoons powdered sugar	62	0	15	0	0
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon	6	0	2	0	1

These nutritional values are estimates and not intended as dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Custard

1
Simmer Milk
In a saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer.
2
Mix Semolina and Sugar
Gradually whisk in the semolina and sugar until thickened.
3
Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add whisked eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Tip: Avoid overcooking the custard as it continues to thicken as it cools. Let the custard cool slightly before filling so it doesn’t soak through the phyllo immediately.

Preparing the Phyllo Pastry

1
Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2
Prepare Baking Dish
Butter a rectangular baking dish.
3
Layer Phyllo Sheets
Layer 6 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with melted butter between layers, ensuring edges overlap.

How to Make Fluffy Greek Bougatsa with Cinnamon and Orange Zest

Total time: 2 h · Yields 8 servings

1
Folding Bougatsa
Spread cooled custard on the prepared phyllo. Fold extra phyllo over the custard.
2
Sealing Edges
Layer another 6 sheets of phyllo over the top, with melted butter in between. Tuck edges under.
3
Final Baking
Bake until golden brown, about 30-35 minutes.