Greek Orange Cake Recipe (Portokalopita) That’s Rich, Moist, and Citrussy

Sharing is caring!

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more

Bring a classic Greek dessert to life in your home kitchen with our Portokalopita Greek orange cake recipe, and treat friends and family to a rich, moist, and citrussy slice of sun-kissed heaven!

Portokalopita Recipe

For cake lovers, Portokalopita needs to go straight to the top of their must-try list. The combination of baked pastry layers soaked in sweet syrup infused with the flavors and aromas of one of the world’s most beloved fruits makes for a dessert that just instantly transports you to the orange groves of the Greek hillsides from the moment you bite in.

This orange cake is a crowd-pleaser of epic proportions, and together we’re going to make this beloved Greek dish together – let’s read on!

What is Portokalopita?

Aptly named, portokalopita, or ‘orange cake’, is a dessert of Greek origin, consisting of layers of phyllo/filo dough and other ingredients soaked in an orange-based sweet syrup, despite initially looking like and texturally resembling a sponge cake.

Greece has a dessert family known as siropiasta, referring to cakes and sweet dishes soaked in syrup, of which the popular baklava is also a member.

Nearly always consumed as a dessert with hot coffee, portokalopita is a beloved staple dessert of Greek cuisine.

Ingredients

To make our portokalopita / Greek orange cake recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

• Filo/Phyllo – 16oz (450 grams)
• Eggs – 5 medium
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Orange Zest – from 2 oranges
• Sunflower Oil – 3/4 cup
• Vanilla – 1 teaspoon
• Greek Yogurt – 1 cup
• Baking powder – 2 tsp
• Oranges – 2

For the syrup:

• Orange Juice – juice from 5 oranges
• Water – 2 cups
• Sugar – 2 cups
• Orange Zest – zest from 1 orange
• Cinnamon Stick – 1 stick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Make the syrup.

Add all the syrup ingredients (orange juice, water, sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon stick) to a small pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Set it aside to cool.

Step 2 – Bunch up the filo accordion-style and add it to a baking tray.

Step 3 – Preheat the oven to 210°F (100°C) and dehydrate the filo for about an hour until the filo is dried out. Take it out and set it aside to cool for a few minutes.

Step 4 – Make the batter for the portokalopita. To start, in a bowl, beat the eggs with sugar with a hand mixer for about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5 – Add the orange zest, oil, vanilla, yogurt, baking powder, and soda, and mix for 10 seconds.

Step 6 – Using your hands, break down the phyllo/filo.

Step 7 – Add the broken filo to the batter, in 4-5 batches, mixing lightly after every batch with a spatula (careful not to overmix).

Step 8 – Grease a baking pan with butter and sprinkle some semolina or flour. Pour the batter into the baking pan.

Step 9 – Add 8 thin slices of oranges on top of the batter.

Step 10 – Preheat the oven to 360°F (180°C), and bake the batter for about 45-50 minutes until golden.

Step 11 – Strain the syrup.

Step 12 – Pour the cold syrup over the cake as soon as it’s out of the oven.

Step 13 – Once covered in syrup, let the portakalopita absorb the syrup for at least an hour but preferably overnight!

Then your portokalopita is ready to be enjoyed by you, loved ones, and your dinner guests.

To do as the Greeks do, serve each rich, sweet, and moist slice with hot coffee, or a dollop of creamy ice cream for a post-dinner treat loaded with sweet orange goodness. Enjoy!

This truly is a classic Greek dessert, and we hope you love it, savor it, and become seduced by its rich, sweet, orange-fueled magic.

Portokalopita Recipe Card

You Might Also Like to Read

• Baklava Recipe with Honey, Cinnamon and Pistachios
• Bougatsa Recipe (Creamy, Flaky Greek Pastry for a Mouthwatering Breakfast)