8 Greek Desserts To Satisfy Your Sweets Craving

Nothing works quite a miracle for the sweet tooth like the Greek desserts. From baklava to loukomades, you’re sure to fall in love with these delicious goodies.

Here is a list of must try Greek desserts which are more than enough to satisfy your sweet cravings:

* Kataifi

Kataifi is also made with phyllo pastry, but in this recipe the phyllo is shredded, giving the dessert a different texture and a similar appearance of galaktoboureko or baklava, both of which are made with the same type of pastry. Depending on the region of Greece, the shredded phyllo is wrapped around a sweet filling of chopped nuts, usually walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. Kataifi is then soaked in a sugary syrup which is commonly infused with ground clove and cinnamon. A perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee.

* Melomakarona

With their recipe based on ingredients for which Greece is typically known – oil, honey, oranges and nuts – melomakarona are considered a typical Greek dessert. Even though nowadays they are mainly served during Christmas time, folklore studies suggest that these scrumptious honey cookies have been part of local culinary tradition since antiquity.

* Kourabiedes

These are another type of cookie commonly made at Christmas time, but again, kourabiedes can also be found year-round in Greece. They are buttery, shortbread cookies made with local almonds and dusted with icing sugar. Kourabiedes are often compared to wedding cookies, although the use of whole almonds sets them apart from versions found in Mexico, Italy, Russia, and elsewhere.

* Loukomades

Loukoumades are the Greek version of doughnuts. The deep-fried dough balls are usually soaked in honey syrup and are often covered in chopped walnuts or drizzled with chocolate. Loukomades can almost always be found at local fairs, festivals, and even concerts.

* Diples

To make diples, dough is rolled into thin strips, fried in hot oil and then covered in syrup and walnuts. This traditional Greek dessert originates in the Peloponnese region, but can now be found throughout Greece. It is common to serve these light, crispy fried pastries on special occasions such as weddings and religious holidays, but they are in particular demand come Christmas.

* Bougatsa

This Greek pastry is actually typically enjoyed at breakfast time. You’ll find a variety of fillings to choose from in a local Greek bakery such as cheese, minced meat, or a sweet semolina custard. The sweetened version is usually sprinkled with cinnamon and icing sugar. While this treat makes for a delicious breakfast paired with thick Greek coffee, it’s equally delightful when eaten as dessert.

* Kariokes

These chocolates are another treat found in the Greek sweet shops (zaharoplasteia), and are again a common gift given during the practice of filoksenia. Kariokes are chocolate and walnut-filled cookies dipped in even melted chocolate. They are individually wrapped and make a perfect gift and delicious dessert.

* Revani

Revani is a syrup-soaked cake made with semolina and yoghurt, known for its slight lemony taste. The dessert takes its name from a Turkish poet named Revani who lived in the 16th century and was known for composing poems about gastronomy which became common in Greece during Ottoman rule. Legend has it that a Turkish pastry maker gave the recipe to a Greek counterpart, and it then passed down from generation to generation. Revani still remains a popular dessert in Turkey as well.