Portokalopita Greek Orange Phyllo Cake (Printable)

Crispy phyllo layers with creamy yogurt and fresh oranges, soaked in sweet cinnamon-orange syrup for an authentic Greek dessert experience.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Pie

01 - 1 lb phyllo sheets, thawed
02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 1 cup Greek yogurt, full-fat
04 - 1 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1/2 cup light olive oil or sunflower oil
06 - 2 tsp vanilla extract
07 - Zest of 2 large oranges
08 - 2 tsp baking powder

→ For the Syrup

09 - 1 cup water
10 - 1 cup granulated sugar
11 - 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
12 - 1 cinnamon stick
13 - Zest of 1 orange

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Remove phyllo sheets from packaging and let them dry out for 1 hour, then crumple them into rough pieces.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until pale and thick. Add yogurt, oil, vanilla, orange zest, and baking powder; mix well.
04 - Gradually fold in the crumpled phyllo pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated with the batter.
05 - Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
06 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the pie is golden and a skewer comes out clean.
07 - Combine water, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon stick, and orange zest in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8 minutes. Remove cinnamon and zest; let syrup cool.
08 - When the pie is done, remove from oven. While still hot, slowly pour the cooled syrup evenly over the pie. Let it soak for at least 2 hours before serving.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • The contrast between crisp golden edges and syrup soaked center creates texture that keeps you coming back for just one more square
  • Fresh orange zest and juice make every bite taste like sunshine captured in pastry form
  • This dessert actually improves after sitting, making it perfect for making ahead when company comes
02 -
  • The temperature difference between hot pie and cool syrup creates the magic texture we are after. Never pour hot syrup onto hot pie or you will lose that perfect soak.
  • Authentic Greek yogurt is thicker and tangier than regular yogurt, which significantly changes how the custard sets up. It is worth seeking out.
03 -
  • Add a splash of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier to your syrup for an elegant dinner party version
  • Let the finished pie rest at room temperature for at least 4 hours before covering to prevent condensation

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