Portokalopita, a traditional Greek orange cake, is a delightful dessert bursting with vibrant citrus flavors, a moist texture, and the perfect balance of sweetness from a luscious syrup. Combining simple ingredients like phyllo pastry, oranges, and yogurt, this cake is easy to prepare yet incredibly unique in taste. Whether served as a festive treat or a casual dessert, this dish will bring a slice of Greece to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 package phyllo pastry (500g), thawed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) Greek yogurt
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the syrup:
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1½ cups (360ml) water
- 1 cup (240ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions:
- Prepare the Phyllo Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Unroll the phyllo pastry and shred it into small pieces by hand or with scissors. Spread the shredded phyllo on a baking tray and let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the Cake Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until pale and frothy.
- Add the Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, orange juice, orange zest, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate the Phyllo Pastry:
- Gradually fold the dried phyllo pastry into the batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed. The mixture will be thick and slightly chunky due to the phyllo pieces.
- Bake the Cake:
- Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and pour the batter into it, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Syrup:
- While the cake bakes, make the syrup by combining sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, and the cinnamon stick in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove the cinnamon stick and let the syrup cool slightly.
- Soak the Cake:
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Slowly pour the warm syrup over the cake, allowing it to soak in evenly. Use a knife to make small incisions on the surface for better absorption.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature, letting the syrup infuse its flavor.
- Cut into squares or diamond shapes and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
This traditional Greek orange cake is a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Its bright citrus flavors, combined with the soft, syrupy texture, make it a must-try for any dessert lover. Prepare it for your next gathering, and watch it become an instant favorite!