Greek Orange Phyllo Cake (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Syrup Base
01 -
2 cups white granular sugar for best results
02 -
2 cups regular tap water
03 -
⅓ cup juice squeezed from roughly 2 fresh oranges
04 -
One cinnamon stick, whole
05 -
Outer skin from 3 oranges
→ Cake Mix
06 -
1 pound phyllo sheets (thawed from frozen section)
07 -
1 cup Greek yogurt (full or reduced fat both work)
08 -
1 cup white sugar
09 -
1 cup sunflower oil
10 -
1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed (about 3-4 fruits)
11 -
2 tablespoons baking powder
12 -
1 teaspoon vanilla for flavor
13 -
Grated peel from 1-3 oranges based on how strong you want the citrus taste
14 -
Small amount of salt, just a pinch
# Instructions:
01 -
Combine everything for the syrup in a pot - sugar, water, juice from oranges, stick of cinnamon, and peels. Heat till it bubbles, then pull it off the stove. Let it sit and cool on its own without mixing.
02 -
Spread phyllo sheets on the counter and cut them in half for easier handling. You can either rip them into small chunks by hand or bundle 4-5 sheets together, roll them up and cut into thin ½ inch strips. Leave them on the counter to dry, fluffing them occasionally for even drying.
03 -
Heat your oven to 340°F. In a bowl, mix yogurt and orange juice until smooth. Add your oil, sugar, vanilla, orange peel, baking powder and salt. Stir everything until well combined. Slowly add the dried phyllo pieces, folding them in gently. Don't stress about making it perfect!
04 -
Empty your mixture into a greased 9x13 dish and stick it in the top part of your oven. Let it cook for about 40-45 minutes. It's done when you can put a toothpick in the middle and it comes out clean.
05 -
The key step happens now! While the cake's still hot, slowly pour the cooled syrup over it using a ladle. Go spoonful by spoonful, waiting for each bit to soak in before adding more. This is what makes this dish so special!
06 -
Let your cake sit for at least half an hour before cutting into it - though it tastes way better if you can wait till the next day. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some Greek yogurt on top for an amazing finish!
# Notes:
01 -
Portokalopita turns ordinary phyllo sheets into an extraordinary citrusy dessert through a magical blend of orange flavors and sweet syrup
02 -
Phyllo (also written as 'filo' or 'fillo') can be found in the cold section of specialty food stores or larger supermarkets