Greek Orange Phyllo Cake (Portokalopita)

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of this Greek Orange Phyllo Cake, also known as Portokalopita. This delightful dessert combines the unique texture of phyllo dough with a fragrant orange-infused batter, all soaked in a luscious orange syrup. The result is a moist, aromatic cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a unique treat to impress guests or a delightful sweet to enjoy with your family, this cake will surely 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

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough: Open the package of phyllo dough and unroll the sheets. Spread them out on a baking sheet or a clean surface and allow them to dry out for about 20 minutes. This step will help the dough to crisp up nicely in the cake.
3. Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs. Whisk until well combined. Add the Greek yogurt, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Finally, stir in the baking powder and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Incorporate the Phyllo Dough: Tear or crumble the dried phyllo dough into small pieces and place them into the prepared baking dish. Ensure all the phyllo dough is used, as it will compress down.
5. Combine and Bake: Pour the prepared batter over the phyllo dough in the baking dish. Gently mix to ensure the phyllo pieces are well-coated with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Syrup: While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon stick. Cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly. Allow the syrup to cool.
7. Soak the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and immediately pour the prepared syrup over the hot cake. The cake will absorb the syrup as it cools, becoming incredibly moist and flavorful.
8. 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 an added layer of flavor, consider sprinkling some chopped pistachios or almonds over the top of the cake before serving. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and complement the orange and cinnamon flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

This Greek Orange Phyllo Cake is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean. The combination of crispy phyllo, creamy orange-infused batter, and sweet, aromatic syrup creates a truly unique dessert experience. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful treat with friends and family, and savor the taste of Greece in every bite!