Top 5 Cretan Desserts

Sfakianopita is a traditional Cretan treat that couples layers of thin, unleavened dough and soft white whey cheese. The pie is typically made with flour, olive oil, water, salt, and a shot of raki (Cretan tsikoudia), and rather than being filled with local myzithra cheese, the dough is kneaded with the cheese. The whole combination is then flattened out into a thin, almost crepe-like or pancake-like circle and fried until golden, spotted, and crispy. Also known as sfakiani pita or mizithropita, this specialty is believed to have been created by Cretan shepherds from Sfakia, hence the name sfakianopita. The pie is usually enjoyed warm as a sweet breakfast and is traditionally served drizzled with thyme honey, creating a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Other typical toppings used for flavoring the pie include sesame seeds, cinnamon, and almond slivers. It can also be transformed into a savory pie, depending on personal preferences. Sfakianopita can be found in almost any traditional tavern, and it is usually accompanied by cold tsikoudia on the side.Expand

Hailing from the Greek island of Crete, kalitsounia or skalotsounia is a traditional, small-sized snack that comes in numerous different shapes and can be both savory and sweet. In its most traditional form, it combines an unleavened pastry and a filling that consists of fresh cow's milk cheese called mizithra. Sweet varieties enrich the cheese with cinnamon and lemon zest, while the savory versions occasionally employ spinach. Though it is traditionally associated with Easter, nowadays it is enjoyed all year-round.Expand

This traditional Greek dessert consists of layered or torn phyllo sheets that are blended with a creamy, orange-flavored yogurt custard. When baked, the cake is doused in a thick, sugary, orange-spiked syrup. Portokalopita is a classic that comes in different versions and often incorporates semolina, cinnamon, vanilla, and dried or candied fruit. It is best served well chilled and is occasionally paired with ice cream.Expand

Zoumero is a rich and decadent Greek chocolate cake originating from Chania. The cake is made with flour, baking powder, eggs, vanilla, and cocoa powder. Once baked, the surface of the cake is topped with a cold syrup consisting of milk, sugar, butter, and cocoa. It is then left to cool down before serving. When served, zoumero is traditionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Over the years, this cake has become a staple in most local restaurants. The name zoumero means juicy, referring to the moist texture of the cake once the chocolate syrup drizzles down through it.Expand

These classic Cretan cookies combine flaky dough with a sweet nut-based filling. The pastry dough is made with bicarbonate of soda (ammonia), while the filling mainly consists of nuts such as almonds or walnuts, sesame seeds, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The cookies are traditionally shaped into half-moons, then generously dusted with powdered sugar. Patouda cookies are best paired with a cup of strong coffee.Expand