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Experience the delightful flavors of Greek Orange Phyllo Cake, also known as Portokalopita. This enchanting dessert marries the crispy texture of phyllo dough with a fragrant orange-infused batter, all soaked in a rich orange syrup. The result is a moist, aromatic cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a sweet treat with your family, this cake is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 (15 oz) package phyllo dough
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 8 oz plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/4 cups orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Syrup:
- 1 2/3 cups water
- 1 2/3 cups sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cinnamon stick
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Prepare the Phyllo Dough: Unroll the phyllo dough sheets and spread them out on a baking sheet or clean surface. Allow them to dry for about 20 minutes to help them crisp up nicely in the cake.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until well combined. Add the Greek yogurt, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Stir in the baking powder and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Incorporate the Phyllo Dough: Tear or crumble the dried phyllo dough into small pieces and place them into the prepared baking dish. Make sure all the phyllo is used, as it will compress down.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the batter over the phyllo dough in the dish. Gently mix to coat the phyllo pieces with the batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Syrup: While the cake bakes, combine the water, sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until it boils, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Let the syrup cool.
- Soak the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup over the hot cake. The syrup will be absorbed as the cake cools, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the cake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours to ensure the syrup is fully absorbed. Serve chilled, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Bonus Tip: For added flavor, sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds over the top before serving. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and complement the orange and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
Conclusion: Greek Orange Phyllo Cake is a delicious fusion of textures and flavors that transports your taste buds to the Mediterranean. With its crispy phyllo, creamy orange batter, and sweet aromatic syrup, this cake offers a unique dessert experience perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this refreshing treat with friends and family and savor the taste of Greece in every bite!
