Description
A traditional Greek dessert made with crispy phyllo dough, fresh orange juice and zest, and soaked in a fragrant citrus syrup. Portokalopita is moist, sweet, and bursting with orange flavor—perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package phyllo dough (about 1 lb), torn into pieces
- 1 orange, juiced and zested (for batter)
- 3/4 cup sugar (for batter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or paste
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing pan)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 oranges, juiced and zest of 1 (for syrup)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar (for syrup)
- Cinnamon (optional, for syrup)
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tbsp oil.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, yogurt, 3/4 cup oil, orange juice and zest, vanilla, and baking powder.
- Tear or crumble phyllo dough into small pieces and gently fold into the batter. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with orange slices.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set in the center.
- Meanwhile, make the syrup: in a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, water, 1/2 cup sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes.
- When cake is done, immediately pour hot syrup over it. Let cool and absorb syrup before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for best flavor.
- Let the cake cool fully to absorb syrup evenly.
- Great for making ahead—flavor deepens overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg