Description

This delightful cake, infused with the zesty freshness of orange and the creamy richness of Greek yogurt, offers a unique twist on traditional desserts. The cake's foundation is made with phyllo dough, which, when combined with a moist batter, creates a texture that's both tender and slightly crisp. This Greek-inspired dessert is soaked in a fragrant orange-cinnamon syrup, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. The combination of citrusy brightness and warm, sweet syrup makes this cake an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal or enjoying it with a cup of tea, this cake is sure to impress with its complex layers of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• Cake:
• 1 (15 oz) package phyllo dough
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• 8 oz plain Greek yogurt
• 1 1/4 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Syrup:
• 1 2/3 cup water
• 1 2/3 cup sugar
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cinnamon stick

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Unroll phyllo dough and let it dry for 20 minutes.
3. In a bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until frothy.
4. Add Greek yogurt, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
5. Gently mix in baking powder and salt.
6. Tear or crumble the dried phyllo dough into small pieces and place in the greased baking dish.
7. Pour the cake batter over the crumbled phyllo and gently mix to combine.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
9. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon stick; bring to a boil.
10. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, then cool to room temperature.
11. Pour the syrup over the hot cake immediately after baking.
12. Allow the cake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
13. Serve chilled, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:

For an added layer of flavor, you can sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, over the cake before pouring on the syrup. The nuts add a delightful crunch and complement the citrusy, sweet flavors of the cake.

Conclusion:

This phyllo dough cake is a celebration of flavors and textures, combining the tangy brightness of orange with the warm, comforting sweetness of cinnamon and sugar. The phyllo dough adds a unique twist, providing a delightful contrast to the tender cake and syrup. Whether served as a dessert for a special occasion or as a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Its elegant presentation and rich, layered flavors make it a standout dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy this delightful dessert, and don’t forget to savor each bite with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!