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

Prepare the Cake:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. Set the dish aside.
Open the package of phyllo dough and carefully 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 is crucial as it helps the phyllo achieve a crispier texture when baked.
Make the Cake Batter:

While the phyllo dough is drying, prepare the cake batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until well combined and slightly frothy.
Add the Greek yogurt, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Whisk until the batter is smooth and all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Next, gently mix in the baking powder and salt. Be careful not to overmix the batter at this stage, as overmixing can result in a denser cake.
Assemble the Cake:

Once the phyllo dough has dried, tear or crumble the sheets into small pieces. These pieces will form the base of the cake. Place the crumbled phyllo dough into the greased baking dish, using both rolls of phyllo dough. The dough will compress as you pour the batter over it, so don’t worry if it seems like a lot.
Pour the prepared batter evenly over the crumbled phyllo dough in the baking dish. Gently stir or mix to ensure that the phyllo is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be firm to the touch with a slightly crisp top.
Prepare the Syrup:

While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon stick. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Once the syrup reaches a boil, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. The syrup should thicken slightly. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
Soak the Cake:

When the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the prepared syrup over the top while the cake is still hot. The cake will absorb the syrup, becoming incredibly moist and flavorful.
Allow the cake to cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator to chill for 1-2 hours. This chilling time allows the syrup to fully absorb into the cake, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Serve:

Serve the cake chilled, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The combination of the cool, citrusy cake with the creamy ice cream is simply divine.

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!