Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsCafe AthensBougatsa Recipe

Bougatsa Recipe

Inspired by Cafe Athens
Time1h
Serves8

Sweet custard pie wrapped in phyllo pastry.

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Ingredients

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For the Custard Filling

For the Phyllo Pastry

Method

Prepare the Custard Filling

  1. 1

    Heat the Milk

    In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not let it boil.

  2. 2

    Mix the Sugar, Eggs, and Cornstarch

    In a bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  3. 3

    Combine Mixtures

    Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.

  4. 4

    Cook the Custard

    Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Let it cool slightly.

Prepare the Phyllo Pastry

  1. 5

    Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. 6

    Prepare the Phyllo Sheets

    Melt the cup of butter in a small saucepan. Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process with 4-5 sheets, layering them on top of each other.

  3. 7

    Add the Custard Filling

    Spread the cooled custard filling over the layered phyllo sheets evenly.

  4. 8

    Fold the Pastry

    Fold the edges of the phyllo over the custard filling to enclose it. You can also roll it into a log shape if preferred.

  5. 9

    Bake the Bougatsa

    Place the wrapped bougatsa on a baking sheet and brush the top with more melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

  6. 10

    Dust with Powdered Sugar

    Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

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