Greek Orange Cake

Moist, aromatic, and bursting with citrus flavor, this Greek Orange Cake (also known as Portokalopita) is a traditional Mediterranean dessert that’s rich in texture and soaked in a sweet orange syrup. Made with phyllo dough, yogurt, and plenty of fresh orange zest, this cake is unlike any other—it’s tangy, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or afternoon coffee.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bright & Citrusy – Fresh orange juice and zest bring bold flavor.
Soaked in Syrup – Sweet, juicy syrup keeps it moist and decadent.
Easy to Make – Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Great for Entertaining – A unique and beautiful dessert for guests.
Tastes Better Over Time – Perfect for making ahead!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 package phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp orange zest (from 2 large oranges)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Orange Syrup:

• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Optional: 2 orange slices for simmering

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Phyllo
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Unroll the phyllo dough and let it dry out on the counter for about 30 minutes.
Tear the sheets into small strips (about 1–2 inches wide) and loosely separate them.
This step gives the cake its signature texture.

Step 2: Make the Syrup
In a saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, water, and the cinnamon stick.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10–12 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Remove cinnamon stick and orange slices before using.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Greek yogurt, oil, orange zest, vanilla, and baking powder. Mix until smooth.
Gradually fold in the torn phyllo strips, a handful at a time, until fully incorporated.
Make sure the phyllo is evenly coated with the batter.

Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let it cool slightly (about 10 minutes).

Step 5: Soak with Syrup
While the cake is still warm, slowly pour the cooled orange syrup evenly over the top.
Let the cake absorb the syrup for at least 1 hour before serving.
This step ensures a moist, flavorful bite in every slice.

Step 6: Slice & Serve
Once fully cooled and syrup-soaked, slice the cake into squares or diamonds.
Optional: Garnish with extra orange zest, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Tips for the Perfect Greek Orange Cake
Let the Phyllo Dry – Slightly dried phyllo gives the cake its airy, layered texture.
Use Fresh Orange Juice – The flavor is much brighter than bottled.
Cool the Syrup – Pouring hot syrup on a hot cake can make it soggy.
Chill Before Serving – This cake tastes even better when chilled for a few hours.
Add a Twist – Try a splash of rosewater or a pinch of cardamom in the syrup for depth.

Serving Suggestions
Afternoon Coffee – Pairs beautifully with strong Greek coffee or espresso.
Brunch Dessert – A fresh, zesty addition to your brunch table.
Holiday Tables – A lovely citrus contrast to rich seasonal dishes.
With Ice Cream – Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Store in a covered container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps well chilled for up to 5 days. The flavor deepens over time.

Freezing:

• Freeze in individual slices wrapped tightly and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the fridge and enjoy chilled or warm slightly before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought orange juice?
Yes, but fresh-squeezed offers the brightest flavor. Choose 100% juice with no added sugar.

2. What type of yogurt is best?
Full-fat Greek yogurt is preferred for richness and texture, but low-fat works too.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free phyllo dough, which is available at specialty stores or online.

4. What if I don’t have phyllo dough?
Unfortunately, phyllo is essential to this recipe’s unique texture. Puff pastry or regular cake batter won’t produce the same result.

5. Is it supposed to be this moist?
Yes! This cake is syrup-soaked and should be moist without being soggy.

Final Thoughts
Greek Orange Cake is a delightful blend of bold citrus, creamy yogurt, and flaky phyllo, all brought together with a sweet syrup soak that makes every bite heavenly. It’s a unique and easy dessert that’s sure to impress guests or add a special twist to your weeknight treats.

Try it once, and it might just become a staple in your dessert rotation. Let me know how it turned out—share your photos or leave a review below!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cooling & Soaking Time: 60 minutes
Cuisine: Greek

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 160mg

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