Ekmek Kataifi (Greek Vanilla Pudding and Kataifi Pie)

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ekmeh kataifi

Pudding pies have to be one of my favorite desserts, and topping the list is a Greek version called Ekmek Kataifi.  My mom has been making this as a holiday dessert for as long as I can remember.  The crust is a syrup soaked and pecan topped shredded phyllo dough (kataifi), which is topped with vanilla custard or pudding, and finished off with whipped cream.  She has always made it with pudding, and I prefer it that way.  It is an amazing and unique dessert, and is what a holiday dessert should be:  decadent, thoughtful, and delicious.  Imagine putting your spoon through a layer of homemade whipped cream, vanilla pudding, and a syrupy layer of phyllo.  It is one of those desserts that makes you pause as you first taste all of the flavors and feel all of the textures.  It is truly amazing!  I hope you make this dessert part of your holiday dessert spread or your next special event.

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30 Responses to“Ekmek Kataifi (Greek Vanilla Pudding and Kataifi Pie)”

  1. 12/10/2015 at 9:40 am #

    This looks and sounds great!

    • Zoale.com
      12/10/2015 at 9:44 am #

      Thank you Sadie!

  2. 12/10/2015 at 9:55 am #

    yummmm this is so much like an arabic sweet but a twist. I love it Antonia and the fact that your mom makes it every year makes it more special!

    • Zoale.com
      12/10/2015 at 10:02 am #

      Thanks Lynn! It is Greek version of a Turkish dessert, which makes it very interesting. It is definitely something I look forward to having every holiday 🙂

  3. 12/10/2015 at 3:21 pm #

    One of my favorite desserts by far!! Aaand now you made me crave it like crazy!! Will-have-to-make-asap!! 🙂 🙂

    • Zoale.com
      12/10/2015 at 3:39 pm #

      Mine too! There is nothing quite like it. You are too funny! It is a perfect time of year to make it 😉

  4. 12/10/2015 at 6:29 pm #

    New to me..looks yum I can imagine the taste

    • Zoale.com
      12/10/2015 at 8:44 pm #

      Thank you Vidya 🙂

  5. 12/10/2015 at 7:29 pm #

    This sounds super delicious. Craving for it right now!

    • Zoale.com
      12/10/2015 at 8:45 pm #

      Thanks Kushi!

  6. 12/11/2015 at 8:55 am #

    This sounds absolutely divine Antonia! I have a terrible sweet tooth so I love desserts that are soaked in syrup 😉 This almost reminds me of a honey cake in a way. I’ve never used kataifi in a recipe before but I do love phyllo dough. It’s one of those ingredients that I never make from scratch though. Thanks for sharing a special family recipe 🙂

    • Zoale.com
      12/11/2015 at 12:33 pm #

      Thank you so much Heather! I love desserts soaked in syrup too! The crust definitely has that honey cake flavoring and moistness. It also has a similar flavoring as baklava, which is one reason I love it so much. If you ever have a chance, you should try using kataifi. You can make some really cool desserts with it. Happy Holidays!

  7. Sandhya
    12/13/2015 at 12:22 am #

    Antonia, what a treat this Ekmek kataifi is! I cannot stop drooling! I love kataifi recipes and this looks extra special!

    • Zoale.com
      12/14/2015 at 6:46 pm #

      Thank you so much Sandhya! I love kataifi desserts too 🙂

  8. 12/16/2015 at 8:37 am #

    I love making new sweets,will try this for sure..They look so rich and delish…

    • Zoale.com
      12/16/2015 at 10:26 am #

      I hope you get a chance to try it. It is an amazing dessert! Thanks Swapna 🙂

  9. 12/30/2015 at 4:33 pm #

    Please stop over to my blog Antonia!

    • Zoale.com
      12/30/2015 at 7:26 pm #

      Thank you so much Lynn! I am really honored. You have been so wonderful, and I appreciate all of your support. I am so glad to have met you 🙂

  10. 12/30/2015 at 4:41 pm #

    Looks delicious – I first heard of Kataifi when another blogger made nests out of it for Easter. I bought a couple of boxes back then but still have not used it. Maybe I should try your dessert ?

    • Zoale.com
      12/30/2015 at 7:45 pm #

      Thank you Judi! Since you already have the kataifi, you should definitely try it 🙂 Let me know if you do and how you like it. Happy New Year!

  11. 12/31/2015 at 9:10 am #

    Your mom ceratinly knows a thing or two about puddings, Antonia. This looks irresistible and I love all of the ingredients used in it. Just one question, if I may. What is vanilla pudding? It looks the same as custard to me (cold custard, I mean). I’ve never seen anything called vanilla pudding in the shops here in the UK. Is it much different to custard?

    • Zoale.com
      12/31/2015 at 10:00 am #

      Thanks Millie! She is a wonderful cook 🙂 Pudding and custard are both creamy sweetened desserts, but pudding is thickened with cornstarch, and doesn’t contain eggs. I prefer pudding, because the custard is a bit heavier. It can be made with either though.

      • 12/31/2015 at 10:04 am #

        Thank you for explaining. We can buy custard powder here, which is yellow-coloured and vanilla flavoured cornflour. I imagine that is similar. We make it into an eggless custard. 🙂

      • Zoale.com
        12/31/2015 at 10:07 am #

        Great! I would love to hear how you like it 🙂

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