Phyllo dough is often used as a main ingredient in many dessert recipes originating in the Balkan region.
Some of the most notable phyllo dough desserts you’re probably familiar with are baklava and crinkle cake.
However, you can also use phyllo sheets to make kataifi, cinnamon roll ups and apple strudel.
In this list, you’ll find recipe ideas for all of these desserts as well as a few helpful tips and serving recommendations.
The best phyllo dough dessert recipes
My Simple Apple Strudel with Phyllo Dough
Discover the charm of traditional apple strudel with a modern twist using phyllo dough.
This delightful dessert combines layers of crisp, buttery pastry with a filling of tender apples, aromatic cinnamon, sweet raisins, and crunchy walnuts.
The phyllo dough ensures a light, flaky texture that perfectly complements the rich and flavorful apple mixture.
Ideal for any occasion, this strudel is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
Experience a taste of my apple strudel and elevate your dessert game with this easy-to-follow recipe.
What We’d Serve This With 🍏
Pair your apple strudel with a warm cup of spiced chai or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy, comforting dessert combo.
It’s perfect for adding a touch of luxury to any afternoon gathering.
Get the recipe: My Simple Apple Strudel with Phyllo Dough
Authentic Galaktoboureko
This traditional Greek dessert features flaky phyllo dough with a creamy custard filling.
It is also coated in generous amounts of honey citrus syrup which add additional flavor and prevent the phyllo from burning.
You can serve it at your afternoon party, bring it to a potluck or make it for the holidays.
When We’d Serve This 🥂
Galaktoboureko is perfect for festive occasions like Easter or Thanksgiving, where you want a dessert that’s both elegant and satisfying.
It’s an excellent centerpiece for a special dessert table.
Check recipe at: Amira’s Pantry
Apple Strudel
Apple strudel is traditionally prepared with puff pastry which often intimidates many home cooks.
This recipe solves this problem by swapping puff pastry with phyllo dough.
The end result is a flaky strudel filled with loads of caramelized apples that’s surprisingly simple to make.
So if you’re having troubles mustering up the courage to make an apple strudel, I highly recommend giving this recipe a go.
Make It Even Better 🍯
For an extra layer of sweetness, drizzle the apple strudel with honey and a dash of cinnamon before serving.
It adds a rich, warm flavor that complements the tartness of the apples perfectly.
Check recipe at: The Anthony Kitchen
Hazelnut Custard Filo Cigars
These filo cigars are filled with loads of hazelnut custard and are super easy to prepare.
In order to make them, you’ll need to layer a phyllo sheet with some butter, fold it in half and roll it up.
Afterwards you simply bake the cigars in the oven and pipe in the hazelnut custard.
Naturally, you can swap the filling with a traditional egg custard or pretty much any type of cream you can think of.
Tips from Our Kitchen 👩🍳
When working with phyllo dough, keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
This simple step ensures that each layer remains crisp and flaky as you roll your cigars.
Check recipe at: Anthonio Fillo
Crinkle Cake
This Crinkle Cake courtesy of Our Best Bites can best be described as a hybrid dessert.
It’s vaguely reminiscent of baklava, but at the same time it has some of the qualities of a cake. And in the end it’s neither of both.
That’s because it’s made with phyllo sheets and most of its flavor comes from a simple custard.
In any case, it’s a dessert that you shouldn’t miss out on.
Our Flavor Twist 🍋
Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the custard for a subtle citrus kick.
It balances the richness of the phyllo dough and custard, making each bite more refreshing.
Check recipe at: Our Best Bites
Apricot Cheesecake
Upon first glance, this dessert probably looks like anything but a cheesecake. But oh my, does it taste heavenly!
It’s made with flaky phyllo pastry, a cream cheese filling and a bunch of fresh apricots.
The phyllo pastry is rolled into a pie and develops a golden brown crust after it’s baked.
What We’d Serve This With 🍽️
This apricot cheesecake pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of rosé or a freshly brewed cup of Earl Grey tea.
It’s a great dessert to share during a relaxing afternoon with friends.
Check recipe at: Antoniou Fillo
Baklava
This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one baklava recipe.
This timeless Turkish dessert is made with layers of phyllo pastry brushed with butter and soaked in a sweet sugar syrup.
This particular recipe also uses some crushed walnuts for the filling and topping.
When We’d Serve This 🍽️
Baklava is perfect for any special gathering, whether it’s a birthday celebration or a holiday dinner.
Its sweet, nutty richness makes it a great after-dinner treat with coffee or tea.
Check recipe at: Food Dolls
Greek Orange Cake
Soft pillowy filo dough drenched in an orange juice syrup and topped off with orange slices.
This kicker of a dessert is notably easy to make and will leave you begging for more after you try it out.
The key ingredients which make this dessert stand out are the eggs and yogurt which enrich the taste of the dough and soften it up.
Make It Even Better 🍊
For an added burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur to the syrup for a sophisticated twist.
It deepens the citrus flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
Check recipe at: British Chef’s Table
Easy Phyllo Fruit Cups
If you’re looking for an elegant dessert for your next afternoon tea party, then you’ll love these fruit cups.
They’re made with phyllo pastry which is shaped in the form of a tiny cup and filled with a cream cheese filling.
The cups are topped off with different types of berries which display a wonderful array of colors.
Our Flavor Twist 🍓
Substitute the berries with roasted stone fruits like peaches and plums for a twist that adds a warm, caramelized flavor.
It’s a seasonal take that will impress guests at your next gathering.
Check recipe at: Jen Around The World
Lemon Mille Feuille
This odd sounding French dessert is perfect if you want to impress the guests at your dinner party.
It features layers of crispy phyllo pastry which is topped off with a subtle lemon pastry cream, lemon curd and whipped cream.
Even though I don’t consider this recipe to be difficult, it does require a bit of effort to pull off.
That’s mostly because you need to make three different types of cream. However, once you try it out you’ll find that all your efforts were worthwhile.
Tips from Our Kitchen 🍋
To make layering the phyllo dough easier, pre-bake the layers for 5 minutes to make them slightly crispy before assembling.
This will help them hold their shape better when stacking them.
Check recipe at: Baran Bakery
Greek Ekmek Kataifi
Ekmek Kataifi is a dessert which blends the best parts from baklava and galaktoboureko in one dessert.
It’s made with a layer of shredded phyllo dough soaked in sugar syrup which is topped off with custard and whipped cream.
The great thing about this dessert is that you can also assemble it in cups if you want to make a smaller batch.
What We’d Serve This With 🍸
Serve with a cold glass of Turkish tea or a scoop of pistachio ice cream to enhance the rich flavors of this dessert.
It’s a great pairing for a relaxed afternoon or post-dinner treat.
Check recipe at: Pastry Wishes
Greek Custard Phyllo Rolls
I like to call these Greek Custard Phyllo Rolls poor man’s cannoli. They’re quite similar in shape and texture, but they’re much easier to pull off.
All you need to make them are some pastry sheets, a simple custard and some cinnamon.
I recommend trying them out with your morning coffee or over some afternoon tea.
Make It Even Better 🍫
Add a pinch of cocoa powder to the custard for a chocolatey twist, or fold in some mini chocolate chips.
It’ll add an indulgent, rich flavor that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
Check recipe at: Dimitra’s Dishes
Honey Cinnamon Roll Ups
These Honey Cinnamon Roll Ups are perfect if you’re looking for a dessert that’s close to baklava.
They’re made with pretty much the same ingredients you’ll use to make baklava with the exception of cinnamon.
They’re also rolled into logs which gives them a slightly different texture than regular baklava.
When We’d Serve This 🍯
These honey cinnamon roll-ups are perfect for brunch or as a cozy snack to enjoy with your morning coffee or tea.
They’re great for any casual gathering or when you just need something comforting.
Check recipe at: Taste Of Home
Phyllo Dough Apple Turnovers
These Apple Turnovers are essentially a spin off of a traditional apple strudel.
Instead of puff pastry, they’re made with flaky phyllo sheets and sprinkled with generous amounts of powdered sugar.
They work great as a simple breakfast or a light afternoon snack.
Tips from Our Kitchen 🍏
For extra crispiness, try brushing the turnovers with a little melted butter before baking.
This simple trick makes them golden and extra flaky, just like you’d expect from a perfect pastry.
Check recipe at: Parsley And Dicing
Orange and Raspberry Soufra
This Orange and Raspberry Soufra is ideal if you’re looking for a dessert that you can serve to a large crowd.
Making it works in a similar fashion to how you’d make Bulgarian banitsa, except that you’re using custard instead of a savory cheese filling.
This recipe is also easily customizable since you can sub the raspberries for any type of fruit you can think of.
What We’d Serve This With 🍹
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a light and refreshing citrus cocktail, such as a mojito or a classic gin and tonic.
It’s a great option for a party or celebration where you need a dessert that will impress and satisfy.
Check recipe at: Antoniou Fillo
Sweet Pumpkin Pie (Kolokythopita)
Experience the cozy flavors of autumn with this delightful Sweet Pumpkin Pie, also known as Kolokythopita.
Encased in delicate layers of crispy phyllo dough, the rich, spiced pumpkin filling offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
This Greek-inspired dessert is an irresistible treat that will bring comfort and joy to your family gatherings.
Our Flavor Twist 🎃
Add a pinch of ground ginger to the pumpkin filling for a more vibrant, spicy depth that will make this dessert extra special.
It’s a simple adjustment that enhances the flavors while keeping things comforting.
Check recipe at: My Baking Saga
Baklava Cheesecake
Indulge in the ultimate fusion of flavors with Baklava Cheesecake.
This dessert combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the crunchy, nutty layers of traditional baklava.
The phyllo dough adds a delightful texture that perfectly complements the smooth cheesecake filling, making each bite a heavenly experience.
When We’d Serve This 🎉
This baklava cheesecake is perfect for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary celebration.
It’s a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of both worlds, and your guests will love it.
Check recipe at: Spatula Foods
Mini Lemon Tarts with Phyllo Cups
Brighten your dessert table with these refreshing Mini Lemon Tarts in crispy phyllo cups.
The zesty lemon filling offers a vibrant contrast to the flaky phyllo, creating a burst of flavor in every bite.
These charming mini tarts are perfect for parties and special occasions, bringing a touch of elegance and a lot of taste.
Make It Even Better 🍯
Top these tarts with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest for an extra creamy finish.
It’s a simple addition that will elevate the tarts even more.
Check recipe at: The Savory Cipolla
Napoleon Cake
Delight in the classic elegance of Napoleon Cake, featuring layers of buttery, crisp phyllo dough filled with luscious cream.
Each bite reveals a delicate balance of textures and flavors, making this dessert a true showstopper.
Perfect for celebrations, this cake is sure to impress your guests with its refined taste and beautiful presentation.
What We’d Serve This With 🥂
Napoleon Cake pairs beautifully with a glass of champagne or a lightly sweet dessert wine.
It’s a luxurious way to end a celebratory meal or toast to a special moment.
Check recipe at: Will Cook for Smiles
Cheese and Cherry Strudel
Savor the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors with this Cheese and Cherry Strudel.
Encased in delicate layers of crispy phyllo dough, the creamy cheese filling is beautifully complemented by juicy cherries.
This delightful dessert offers a harmonious mix of textures and tastes, making it a must-try for any dessert lover.
Tips from Our Kitchen 🍒
For a beautiful presentation, dust the finished strudel with powdered sugar and serve with a side of whipped cream or vanilla sauce.
It’s a simple touch that makes this dessert look as beautiful as it tastes.
Check recipe at: The Home Cooks Kitchen
Sweet Cheese Slab Pie
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Sweet Cheese Slab Pie.
With a luscious cheese filling nestled between layers of flaky phyllo dough, this dessert promises a delightful experience with every bite.
Ideal for sharing, this pie is perfect for gatherings and will undoubtedly be a hit with your guests.
When We’d Serve This 🥧
This sweet cheese pie is ideal for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, as it adds a comforting, homemade touch to your dessert table.
It’s also a fantastic choice for a cozy gathering with friends and family.
Check recipe at: The Bossy Kitchen
Shaabiyat Dessert
Transport your taste buds to the Middle East with the exotic Shaabiyat Dessert.
Layers of crispy phyllo dough encase a sumptuous filling, creating a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.
This elegant and flavorful dessert is sure to impress and add a touch of sophistication to your dining experience.
Our Flavor Twist 🍊
For a refreshing twist, try adding a few drops of orange blossom water to the filling for a subtle floral flavor.
It’ll enhance the overall experience and bring out a delicate, exotic taste.
Check recipe at: Cookin’ With Mima
Peach Strudel
Embrace the flavors of summer with this delectable Peach Strudel.
Juicy, ripe peaches are enveloped in crispy phyllo dough, creating a delightful contrast of textures.
Each bite of this dessert brings a burst of sweetness and a hint of spice, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Make It Even Better 🍑
Add a sprinkle of brown sugar on top before baking to create a caramelized, crispy topping that adds an extra layer of sweetness.
It gives the strudel a nice crunch and a rich, caramel flavor.
Check recipe at: Brown Eyed Baker
Wrap up
Phyllo dough can be used for anything from baklava and galaktoboureko to apple strudel and crinkle cake.
The most important part you’ll need to keep in mind whenever you’re making a dessert with phyllo dough is to use the right amount of sugar syrup or custard.
If you mess this up, the phyllo dough will burn and become crunchy instead of flaky.
If you’re into baking phyllo dough goods I recommend also checking out my non-dessert recipes for Authentic Bulgarian Banitsa and Spanakopita!