Traditional Greek apple pie with phyllo pastry is one of those desserts that smell like autumn and winter, bringing to mind cozy kitchens and old wood-fired ovens.
Crispy layers of phyllo wrap around a sweet, aromatic filling of apples, cinnamon, and walnuts — a dessert that combines simplicity with the magic of tradition.
In Epirus, Thessaly, and Macedonia, where apple trees were a staple in gardens, women prepared apple pies with phyllo for feasts and festivals.
On the North Aegean islands, you can even find syrupy variations that resemble baklava.
This recipe has been passed down through generations, remaining a beloved way to honor the season’s fruit in a warm and nostalgic dessert.
Ingredients for this greek dessert with apples
- 500 g phyllo pastry
- 3 large apples
- 100 g walnuts
- 100 g raisins
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 80 g brown sugar
- 1 small glass cognac
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Sunflower oil for brushing
- Powdered sugar & cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat ovenHeat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Soak raisinsWarm the cognac slightly, add the raisins, and let them soak.
- Prepare applesSlice the apples thinly, drizzle with lemon juice, and toss to coat.
- Make the fillingRoughly chop the walnuts and combine them with apples, raisins (with the cognac), sugar, breadcrumbs, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix well.
- Assemble the pieLine a baking pan with parchment paper. Place the first phyllo sheet, brush lightly with oil, add a second sheet, brush again, and spread a bit of the filling. Continue layering phyllo and filling until all ingredients are used.
- BakeSprinkle the top with brown sugar and bake for about 45 minutes, until golden.
- ServeLet the pie cool, then dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use tart apples (Granny Smith or Starking) for balance.
- Keep phyllo covered with a damp towel so it doesn’t dry out.
- Replace sugar with honey or agave syrup for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra aroma.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or cold with coffee.
Nutrition Facts (per 100 g serving)
Calories: ~220 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~32 g
Fiber: ~3 g
Sugars: ~18 g
Protein: ~3 g
Fat: ~9 g
A lighter choice compared to syrupy Greek desserts, while rich in fiber and antioxidants from apples and walnuts.
FAQ
- Can I prepare it a day in advance?
Yes, in fact it tastes even better the next day.
- Can I make it sugar-free?
Use honey, stevia, or another natural sweetener.
- What can I use instead of walnuts?
Almonds or hazelnuts work well.
- Should it be served warm or cold?
Both! Warm with ice cream or cold with Greek coffee.
- Can I freeze it?
Yes, before baking. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out more authentic Greek dishes at cookthegreekway.com!
Also, you can try other autumn pies, such as Petimezopita and Pumpkin Pie with Sour Trahana…
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