Greek Orange Cake

If you’re craving something sweet, citrusy, and irresistibly moist, this Greek Orange Cake is the perfect treat. Also known as Portokalopita, this traditional dessert is made with flaky phyllo dough, fresh oranges, creamy yogurt, and soaked in a fragrant orange syrup. Each bite is bursting with Mediterranean flavor and just the right balance of sweet and tangy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bright & Citrusy – Fresh orange zest and juice make it naturally flavorful.
Unique Texture – A combination of yogurt and crispy phyllo gives it a tender, custard-like crumb.
Great for Entertaining – Make-ahead friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Simple Ingredients – No hard-to-find items, just pantry basics and fresh oranges.
Authentic Taste – Brings a taste of Greece right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 lb phyllo dough (thawed and crumpled into strips)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat)
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 2 large oranges
• 4 large eggs

For the Orange Syrup:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup water
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cinnamon stick

For Garnish (Optional):

• Thinly sliced oranges (fresh or candied)
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh mint leaves

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Microplane or grater
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Phyllo Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Open the phyllo dough and tear or slice it into rough strips (about 1-2 inches wide).
3. Spread the strips on a clean surface or baking sheet and let them dry out for 20–30 minutes. This helps absorb the custard better.

Step 2: Make the Orange Syrup

1. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, water, orange zest, and cinnamon stick.
2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce and simmer for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick, and let the syrup cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and orange zest until light and frothy.
2. Add Greek yogurt, oil, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Gently fold in the dried, crumpled phyllo dough strips a handful at a time, making sure they’re well coated.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour the batter into the dish and spread evenly.
3. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Soak with Orange Syrup

1. Slowly pour the cooled orange syrup over the slightly warm cake, allowing it to absorb fully.
2. Let the cake sit for at least 1 hour at room temperature (or refrigerate for a chilled version) before serving.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Garnish with thin orange slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few mint leaves.
2. Cut into squares or diamonds and serve with Greek coffee or tea.

Tips for the Best Greek Orange Cake
Dry the Phyllo – This helps it soak up the custard mixture without getting soggy.
Cool the Syrup – Always pour cool syrup over warm cake for the best texture.
Use Fresh Oranges – Fresh juice and zest give it an unbeatable flavor.
Let It Rest – Allowing the cake to sit lets the syrup soak in deeply and enhances flavor.
Serve Cold or Room Temp – Both ways are delicious, but chilled cake is perfect for summer.

Serving Suggestions
With Whipped Cream – A light dollop adds creamy contrast.
Alongside Fresh Fruit – Serve with berries or more citrus slices.
Drizzle of Honey – A touch of floral honey takes it over the top.
With Greek Yogurt – A spoonful on the side balances the sweetness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves!

Reheating:

• Serve at room temperature or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
• If preferred warm, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought orange juice?
Fresh is best, but you can use high-quality 100% orange juice in a pinch.

2. Is this cake very sweet?
It’s sweet, but well-balanced with citrus. You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free phyllo dough if available and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

4. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze slices individually in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

5. What’s the origin of this cake?
Portokalopita is a beloved Greek dessert often served during holidays or family gatherings, combining traditional phyllo with bright citrus flavor.

Final Thoughts
Greek Orange Cake is a delightful combination of texture, flavor, and tradition. With its citrusy sweetness, flaky layers, and creamy richness, it’s no wonder this dessert has stood the test of time. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to something special, this cake brings a slice of Greece right to your table.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: Greek

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 190mg

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