It is easy to understand how Portokalopita (Greek Orange Cake), a Greek’s favorite food, has become popular across the globe sweet food lovers. Made from phyllo pastry, yogurt, and oranges, this distinct cake with orange flavor is indeed a true sweet and sour. The name of the dessert is made up of two Greek words, portokali which stands for orange and pita which means pie or cake.Portakalopita gets its unique character from its moist syrup-soaked layers.

In this article, we will talk about the origin of Portokalopita cake and its s and explain why this Mediterranean dessert should be on your table. This is easy to follow and full of flavors regardless of whether you are a professional baker or a novice at Greek cooking. Continue reading the article to find out how to make this delightful treat.

What is Portokalopita?

Portokalopita is a dessert pie of Greek cuisine and it is consisted primarily on phyllo and or oranges. Uses a filling of custard made with eggs and yogurt but without flour batter, instead the phyllo dough is ripped and mixed into the filled center. After baking the cake, an orange syrup is brushed over the cooled cake to soak in.

Though this dessert is seasonal, most people prefer to enjoy it during summertime because of the cool orange flavor it has. The dessert is chilled and thus is perfect for hot weather. One can find it in Greek tavernas and homes alike, thus bringing a bit of Mediterranean home style for every table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Portokalopita is for those who love eating citrus fruits and even for the people who love taking heavy syrup cakes. Here’s why you’re going to love this melt in the mouth treat in no time:

Basic Ingredients: There is no need for any special ingredients for this . Basic ingredients are available at any grocery shop.
Invigorating Taste: While the syrup-soaked cake brings sweetness, the oranges provide a slight sourness making the overall bite brilliant yet very light.
Perfect All Eyes On You Dessert: Portokalopita actually gets better with time therefore a day or two ahead of consuming it is perfect.
Excellent For Impromptu Parties: Whether your guests are coming over for a Greek dinner or you just want to serve an impressive dinner dessert, this dish is guaranteed to meet your expectations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Portokalopita

Ingredients

For the Cake:
- 450 grams phyllo dough
- 4 large eggs
- 200 grams Greek yogurt (full-fat)
- 150 grams sugar
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 240 ml orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 120 ml olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Syrup:
- 300 grams sugar
- 240 ml water
- Juice of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

Prepare the Syrup:Take a saucepan and add sugar, water, orange juice, orange peel and 1 stick of cinnamon. Heat it up and stir occasionally until it boils.
Decrease the flame and let the sugar dissolve for 5-7 minutes. Turn off the flame and allow cooling to room temperature
Prepare the Cake:Start the oven on 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9 by 13 inch baking dish by greasing it.
Filo puff packet comes in layers. Hit any button to open the packet. Crumple this up and grab a microwaveable dish or a challah bread.
In a large mixing bowl, break the eggs, add the sugar, whisk and add yogurt, orange juice, olive oil, orange zest, vanilla extract, baking powder and combine well.
Spoon the juice into the phyllo First spread the phyllo on the thirds then evenly each time tumbler over.
Bake:Pour the mixture into the baking dish evenly to even layers.
Put it in the oven preheated until 180 degrees for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the top color is brown.
Add the Syrup:As soon as you take the cake out of the oven, dip the cake in the cooled syrup. Every spot on the cake should be followed by the syrup.
Give the cake a chance to cool at room temperature, before you place it inside the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.
Serve:Cut into squares and chill before serving – slices may be garnished with a few pieces of orange or a sprinkling of cinnamon, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Calories per Serving: 310 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I prepare Portokalopita earlier than the scheduled time? Of course! In fact, the next day Portokalopita is even better, although the next day the flavors are even more amazing as they have mixed. It can be refrigerated for a maximum of 5 days.

Q2: Is it possible to make this using frozen phyllo dough? Of course, you can. Just make sure that before you tear the phyllo dough for making the cake, you have thawed it according to the instructions on the packaging.

Q3: Can I freeze Portokalopita? Yes, you may freeze the dessert Portokalopita. After baking and allowing it to cool, tightly cover it in first plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. It can be stored for up to 2 months in deep freezing temperatures. Place the portokalopita into the refrigerator overnight to thaw it before serving.

Q4: What is the best presentation of Portokalopita? It is best served cold with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a slice of orange on the edge to improve its appearance. To enjoy the final touch of a real Greek dessert, serve it with a cup of coffee!

Conclusion

Portokalopita is the Greek dessert which offers an exciting combination of sweet and sour condensed orange in syrup cake with a soft texture. Simple and delicious for every occasion, this cake will help you to create greek flavored dessert in your own house. You can gorge on a delightful treat with your family or amaze your guests with it at a dinner party and Portokalopita will never disappoint you.

Make this and you will understand why this dessert is very popular among people who appreciate Greek cuisine. Share the outcome of your work and do not be shy!