Greek Orange Phyllo Cake (Portokalopita): A Citrusy Delight from the Mediterranean

Embark on a culinary journey to Greece with every slice of Greek Orange Phyllo Cake, commonly known as Portokalopita. This delightful dessert features layers of crispy phyllo pastry interspersed with a rich, citrus-infused custard, all drenched in a sweet orange syrup. Its unique preparation and vibrant flavors make it a standout dessert that's both refreshing and indulgent.

Why You'll Love This: Portokalopita captivates with its deep orange flavor, derived from whole boiled oranges blended into the filling, offering an authentic taste of Mediterranean citrus. The texture contrasts beautifully between the crunchy phyllo and the soft, moist filling, providing a satisfying sensory experience. This dessert not only tastes extraordinary but also fills your kitchen with a wonderful citrus aroma as it bakes.

Perfect Occasion: This cake is perfect for any festive occasion, be it a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or a special weekend treat. It's particularly suited for those who appreciate unique desserts and are looking to impress guests with something out of the ordinary. Portokalopita is also an excellent choice for a themed dinner party or as a sophisticated dessert at a brunch.

Decoration Tips: For an elegant presentation, serve the Greek Orange Phyllo Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, some fresh orange zest, or candied orange slices to enhance its visual appeal and flavor. A few fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing touch to this rich dessert.

Ingredients:

  • For the Syrup:
    • 200g sugar
    • 500ml water
    • 300ml orange juice
    • Vanilla essence
  • For the Cake:
    • 1 package of extra-fine phyllo dough (fine is acceptable)
    • 2 oranges
    • 250g sugar
    • 3 eggs
    • 250ml oil
    • 250ml milk
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • For Serving:
    • Vanilla ice cream

Preparation Method:

  1. Prepare the Oranges:
    • Boil the oranges for one hour, then halve, juice, and blend them, including the pulp.
  2. Prepare the Phyllo:
    • Fold each phyllo sheet accordion-style and arrange in a baking dish. Bake at 100°C (212°F) with ventilation for one hour to crisp.
  3. Make the Syrup:
    • Combine sugar, water, vanilla essence, and orange juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then let cool.
  4. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a blender, mix the blended oranges, eggs, sugar, milk, oil, baking powder, and baking soda.
  5. Assemble the Cake:
    • Crumble the baked phyllo sheets and mix with the orange filling. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 160°C (320°F) for 30-40 minutes.
    • Immediately after baking, cut the cake and pour the cooled syrup over it.
  6. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Allow the cake to cool completely. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect balance of warm cake and cold ice cream.

Enjoy! Dive into the delicious world of Greek desserts with this Greek Orange Phyllo Cake, a luscious treat that brings a slice of Greece to your table with its vibrant flavors and textures.

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