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Desserts

Greek Orange Phyllo Cake (Portokalopita)

Portokalopita is a traditional Greek cake made with oranges and phyllo pastry. Perfect to serve for breakfast, here's how to make this delightful dessert!
Recipe Greek Orange Phyllo Cake (Portokalopita)
  • Difficulty Medium
  • Preparation 20 minutes
  • Cooking 40 minutes
  • Servings for Serves 8

Portokalopita, also known as Greek Orange Cake, is a delightful dessert originating from the island of Crete but beloved throughout Greece and beyond! This irresistible dessert is the perfect way to start your day, bringing the freshness of oranges combined with the softness of phyllo pastry to your breakfast table.

The word “pita” meaning cake joins with “portokalo” meaning orange to form the name of this recipe: an easy and quick dessert that’s absolutely delicious, melts in your mouth at first bite, and will surely impress all your guests!

If you’re looking for similar flavors, we recommend trying our Orange Yogurt Loaf Cake or Jaffa Cakes, both fantastic and delicious treats! But now, bring a taste of Greece into your kitchen – the Portokalopita, Greek Orange Phyllo Cake, awaits!

Note: Phyllo pastry (also spelled “filo”) can be found in the frozen section of most supermarkets. If unavailable, it can be ordered online or purchased from Mediterranean/Middle Eastern specialty stores.

Ingredients for Serves 8

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Method

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  1. To prepare Portokalopita (Greek Orange Phyllo Cake), start with the orange glaze: in a small saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, juice of half an orange with its zest, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring occasionally with a whisk. Let it cook for about ten minutes, then allow the mixture to cool completely.
  2. In a rectangular baking pan measuring 6×8 inches (15×20 cm) or a loaf pan measuring 4×12 inches (10×30 cm), lightly brushed with oil, arrange irregular pieces of phyllo pastry and proceed to prepare the cake filling.
  3. Cut a quarter of an orange into thin slices for decoration. Grate the zest from the remaining oranges and squeeze their juice. In a bowl, combine the juice, zest, eggs, egg yolk, yogurt, oil, and baking powder. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients until you obtain a light and airy mixture.
  4. Pour the mixture into the pan with the phyllo pastry, use a spatula to ensure even distribution of ingredients, and decorate the surface with the orange slices. Bake in the oven at 185°C (365°F) for about 45 minutes, until the surface is golden brown.
  5. As soon as the Portokalopita comes out of the oven, pour the orange glaze over it. Wait at least an hour before serving to allow the cake to cool and fully absorb the glaze. Then slice and serve to your guests.
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Variations and Alternatives

 

Tips

Use organic, unwaxed oranges for this recipe: this will give your cake an even more unique and natural flavor. The natural oils from the orange peel will enhance the overall taste.

Storage

You can store your Portokalopita cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure it’s well sealed to maintain its moisture and prevent it from absorbing other flavors.

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