Portokalopita Orange Phyllo Cake

Get ready to charm your taste buds with a delightful Greek Christmas treat: Portokalopita, a heavenly orange phyllo cake that will transport you to the cozy streets of Athens with every bite. This traditional recipe combines the zesty sweetness of oranges with the delicate crispiness of phyllo dough, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into the magic of making this special holiday confection.

Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough, thawed
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 cup of water
– 1/2 cup of olive oil
– Zest of 2 oranges
– 4 eggs
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, orange juice, water, and olive oil. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Slowly pour the warm orange syrup into the eggs while stirring continuously to avoid curdling.
4. Add the orange zest, vanilla extract, baking powder, and cinnamon to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
5. Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out. Take one sheet of phyllo and place it in the baking dish, letting the edges hang over the sides. Brush the phyllo sheet with the orange mixture.
6. Repeat this process, layering phyllo sheets and brushing each one with the orange mixture, until you have used about half of the phyllo dough.
7. Pour the remaining orange mixture over the layered phyllo sheets in the baking dish.
8. Continue layering the rest of the phyllo sheets on top, brushing each one with the orange mixture.
9. Tuck in the edges of the phyllo to create a neat top layer.
10. Using a sharp knife, lightly score the top layer of phyllo into diamond or square shapes.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
12. Remove the Portokalopita from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish for a few minutes.
13. Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
14. Enjoy a slice of this warm and fragrant Portokalopita with a cup of hot tea or coffee for the ultimate Greek Christmas indulgence!

Whether you’re celebrating the holiday season or simply craving a taste of Greece, this Portokalopita Orange Phyllo Cake will surely brighten up your day with its sunny citrus flavors and crispy layers. Share this recipe with loved ones and create unforgettable moments around the table. Embrace the joy of baking and the comfort of home with this delightful treat that captures the essence of Greek tradition in every bite!