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Greek Orange Cake with Phyllo

Featured in Sweet Endings and Treats.

Portokalopita is a traditional Greek orange cake that stands out from typical desserts. It cleverly uses shredded phyllo dough instead of flour, combined with fresh orange juice and zest for a bright citrus flavor. The magic happens when you pour cold orange-infused syrup over the hot cake, creating an incredibly moist texture with slightly crispy edges. The cake takes about 30 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to bake, plus cooling time. While it might look fancy, don't worry - the recipe is pretty forgiving. You can serve it right away, but letting it rest overnight makes it even better. Top it with ice cream or Greek yogurt for an extra special touch.
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Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:38:47 GMT
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Traditional Greek orange cake, Portokalopita, with layers of phyllo and a zesty orange syrup. Pin it
Traditional Greek orange cake, Portokalopita, with layers of phyllo and a zesty orange syrup. | tasteofcook.com

A lusciously moist Greek orange phyllo cake, Portokalopita transforms simple ingredients into an enchanting dessert that captures the essence of Mediterranean sweetness. This traditional Greek treat combines delicate layers of shredded phyllo dough with bright orange zest and a heavenly citrus syrup, creating a uniquely textured cake that's both rich and refreshing.

During my last summer gathering, this cake disappeared within minutes. The way the phyllo absorbs the aromatic syrup while maintaining its distinct layers reminded me of why I fell in love with Greek desserts in the first place.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Phyllo Sheets: Choose fresh, unopened packages for the best texture. The dough should be pliable and not brittle when thawed.
  • Greek Yogurt: Full-fat, strained yogurt is crucial - it adds richness and helps bind the phyllo layers together while keeping the cake moist.
  • Fresh Oranges: Select firm, heavy oranges with bright, unblemished skin for the most fragrant zest and sweetest juice.
  • Vegetable Oil: Its neutral flavor lets the orange shine while creating a tender crumb.
  • Cinnamon Stick: Look for whole cinnamon sticks with a sweet, woody aroma - they'll infuse the syrup with warmth.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Creating the Aromatic Syrup
Combine water and sugar in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Stir gently until sugar dissolves completely. Add orange peels and cinnamon stick, bringing mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce to a low simmer for 5 minutes, then pour in fresh orange juice. Cool completely before use.
Step 2: Preparing the Phyllo Base
Unroll phyllo sheets, cutting into thin strips about the width of a finger. Create loose nests and let them dry naturally for optimal texture.
Step 3: Crafting the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, orange juice, zest, and vanilla. Add baking powder and sugar, whisking until smooth. Fold in dried phyllo nests in small batches to ensure even coating.
Step 4: Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden and set. Pour the cooled syrup over the hot cake for proper absorption.
Moist and fragrant Portokalopita, a Greek orange cake soaked in sweet citrus syrup. Pin it
Moist and fragrant Portokalopita, a Greek orange cake soaked in sweet citrus syrup. | tasteofcook.com

I've found that high-quality Greek yogurt truly makes this dessert exceptional. My grandmother always insisted on using strained yogurt, and after years of making this cake, I understand why - it creates an incomparable richness that store-bought varieties can't match.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

  • With Whipped Cream: Lightly whipped cream infused with orange blossom water.
  • With Nuts: A sprinkle of crushed pistachios for color and crunch.
  • With Wine: A small glass of chilled Muscat dessert wine to enhance the citrus notes.
Delicious Greek orange cake made with phyllo dough and infused with a vibrant orange flavor. Pin it
Delicious Greek orange cake made with phyllo dough and infused with a vibrant orange flavor. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this Greek orange cake ahead of time?
Yes, actually it tastes even better when made a day ahead. The flavors develop more and it becomes easier to slice.
→ Why does the syrup need to be cold when the cake is hot?
The temperature difference helps the cake absorb the syrup better, creating that perfect moist texture throughout.
→ Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh orange juice works best as it provides better flavor and aroma. The zest from fresh oranges is also essential for the recipe.
→ How should I store Portokalopita?
Keep it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
→ Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap it well and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Traditional Greek Orange Phyllo Cake

This Greek orange cake combines layers of crispy phyllo dough with fresh oranges and sweet syrup to create a uniquely textured traditional dessert.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Syrup Base

01 2 cups of regular sugar - the granulated kind works best
02 2 cups of water, straight from the tap is fine
03 Fresh-squeezed juice from about 2 oranges (you'll need ⅓ cup)
04 One whole cinnamon stick
05 Peels from 3 fresh oranges

→ Cake Mix

06 1 pound of phyllo dough sheets (grab them from the freezer section and thaw them out)
07 1 cup of Greek yogurt - either regular or low-fat works great
08 1 cup of regular sugar
09 1 cup of sunflower oil
10 Fresh juice from about 3-4 oranges (you'll need 1 cup)
11 2 tablespoons of baking powder
12 A splash of vanilla extract (about 1 teaspoon)
13 Zest from 1-3 oranges, depending on how citrusy you like it
14 Just a tiny pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 01

Toss all your syrup ingredients into a pot - the sugar, water, orange juice, cinnamon stick, and those orange peels. Bring it to a quick boil, then take it off the heat and let it cool down naturally. Don't stir it while it's cooling - just let it do its thing!

Step 02

Take those phyllo sheets out and lay them on your counter. Cut them in half to make them easier to work with. Now you've got a choice: either tear them into rough pieces with your hands, or if you're feeling fancy, roll up 4-5 sheets at a time and slice them into thin strips (about ½ inch wide). Either way, let them hang out on your counter to dry a bit, giving them a toss now and then so they dry evenly.

Step 03

Get your oven warming up to 340°F. Grab a bowl and whisk together your yogurt and orange juice until they're friendly with each other. Pour in the oil, sugar, vanilla, orange zest, baking powder, and that pinch of salt. Give it all a good whisk until everything's mixed up nicely. Now comes the fun part - gently fold in your dried phyllo pieces bit by bit. Don't worry about making it perfect!

Step 04

Pour your batter into a greased 9x13 inch pan and pop it in the upper part of your oven. Let it bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test - stick one in the middle and it should come out clean.

Step 05

Here's where the magic happens! While your cake is still hot from the oven, start ladling that cool syrup over it, one spoonful at a time. Be patient - let each spoonful soak in before adding the next. This is what makes it super special!

Step 06

Let your cake rest for at least 30 minutes before cutting into it - though honestly, it's even better if you can wait overnight. When you're ready to serve, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top takes it to the next level!

Notes

  1. This Portokalopita is a unique Greek treat that transforms simple phyllo dough into something magical with fresh oranges and aromatic syrup
  2. You can find phyllo dough (sometimes spelled 'filo' or 'fillo') in the refrigerated section of Mediterranean markets or well-stocked grocery stores

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 inch (25x32cm) baking pan or dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan for syrup
  • Ladle or large spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (phyllo dough)
  • Contains dairy (Greek yogurt)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~