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a Greek Orange Phyllo Cake

Portokalopita: Greek Orange Phyllo Cake

Dive into the delightful world of Portokalopita, a traditional Greek Orange Phyllo Cake that combines the flaky texture of phyllo dough with the zesty sweetness of oranges.
This recipe takes you through a simple yet rewarding baking journey, starting with shredding phyllo dough and blending it with a citrus-infused batter made from fresh orange juice, zest, Greek yogurt, and essential baking ingredients.
After a bake to golden perfection, the cake is soaked in a homemade orange and cinnamon syrup, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Perfect for any occasion, this Portokalopita recipe yields about 12 servings
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time: To allow the cake to fully absorb the syrup and cool down before serving. 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Greek
Servings 12
Calories 3875 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the eggs, sugar, and other ingredients.
  • Whisk: Essential for mixing the batter and ensuring the eggs and sugar are well combined.
  • Grater or Zester: To zest the oranges, adding a fresh citrus flavor to the cake.
  • Juicer or Citrus Reamer: For extracting fresh juice from the oranges.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients like sugar, oil, yogurt, and baking powder.
  • Kitchen Scale (Optional): If you prefer weighing your ingredients for precision.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon To gently fold the shredded phyllo dough into the batter.
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish: The ideal size for baking the cake.
  • Grease (Butter or Cooking Spray): To grease the baking dish, preventing the cake from sticking.
  • Oven: Preheated to bake the cake.
  • Small saucepan To make the syrup by combining sugar, water, and orange juice.
  • Stirring spoon: For stirring the syrup while cooking.
  • Cooling Rack: To allow the cake to cool after baking and syrup application.
  • Sharp Knife: To cut the cooled cake into squares.
  • Serving Spatula To serve the cake slices.
  • Citrus Zester (Optional): For garnishing with additional orange zest.
  • Confectioners' Sugar (Optional): For dusting over the cake for presentation.

Ingredients
 
 

For the Cake:

  • 1 packet about 450g Phyllo Dough Sheets (Φύλλο κρούστας, "FEE-lo KROO-stas"): Provides the unique, flaky texture of the cake.
  • 3 Fresh Oranges Πορτοκάλια, "Portokalia": Used for zest and juice to infuse the cake with a fresh, citrusy flavor.
  • 1 cup Sugar Ζάχαρη, "Zachari": Sweetens the cake.
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt Ελληνικό γιαούρτι, "Elliniko giaourti": Adds creaminess and moisture.
  • 4 Eggs Αυγά, "Avga": Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Μπέικιν πάουντερ, "Beikin powder": Helps the cake rise.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Εκχύλισμα βανίλιας, "Ekchylisma vanilias": Enhances flavor.
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil Λάδι, "Ladi": Adds moisture and helps create a tender texture.

For the Syrup:

  • 1 cup Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the syrup.
  • 1 cup Water: The base of the syrup.
  • ½ cup Orange Juice: Adds a citrusy tang to the syrup.
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick Κανέλα, "Kanela": Infuses the syrup with warmth and spice.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Phyllo:

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Take the phyllo dough sheets and tear them into shreds.
  • Let them dry out a bit while you prepare the other ingredients.

Mix the Batter:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until they're light and fluffy.
  • Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and baking powder.
  • Whisk until well combined.
  • Gently fold in the shredded phyllo dough, ensuring it's fully soaked in the batter.

Bake:

  • Grease a baking dish (about 9x13 inches).
  • Pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown and set.

Prepare the Syrup:

  • While the cake is baking, combine the sugar, water, and cinnamon stick in a pot.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  • Remove the cinnamon stick and stir in the orange juice.

Finish Up:

  • Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven.
  • While still hot, evenly pour the syrup over the cake.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely, letting it absorb the syrup.

Serve:

  • Cut into squares and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 3875kcalCarbohydrates: 472gProtein: 26gFat: 222gSaturated Fat: 34gPolyunsaturated Fat: 125gMonounsaturated Fat: 50gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 505mgPotassium: 1284mgFiber: 12gSugar: 456gVitamin A: 1178IUVitamin C: 271mgCalcium: 692mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Easy Baking Recipes, Flaky Phyllo Pastry, Fresh Orange Flavor, Greek Orange Cake, Greek Yogurt Cake, Homemade Syrup Cake, Mediterranean Citrus Cake, Phyllo Dough Dessert, Portokalopita Recipe, Traditional Greek Sweets
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