Description
Portokalopita is a traditional Greek orange phyllo cake soaked in a citrusy syrup. Made with crumbled phyllo sheets, Greek yogurt, fresh orange zest, and a sweet orange syrup, it’s a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 pack phyllo pastry sheets (about 12–14 sheets)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
Zest of 2 oranges
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Syrup:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Tear the phyllo sheets into small pieces and spread them out on a baking sheet.
- Bake the phyllo pieces for about 10 minutes until dry and crispy, then let them cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, orange zest, baking powder, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold the cooled, crumbled phyllo into the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and set.
- While the cake bakes, combine sugar, water, orange juice, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan to make the syrup. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Once the cake is done, slowly pour the warm syrup over the hot cake.
- Let the cake soak for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
Letting the cake soak for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavor.
Use fresh orange juice for the best citrusy taste.
You can substitute lemon zest for a twist or add chocolate chips for richness.
Dairy-free yogurt alternatives work well for a non-dairy version.
Sprinkle chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
