Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use store-bought orange juice, but try to find one without added sugar for the best flavor. Fresh-squeezed will give you the brightest flavor, but good quality bottled juice works well too, especially when you're short on time.

Why did my phyllo dough dry out too much and break apart while handling?

Phyllo dough is delicate and dries out quickly. For this recipe, we actually want it to dry somewhat, but if it's breaking into powder rather than small pieces, you might have left it out too long. Next time, check it after 15 minutes. Remember, for this recipe, breaking apart is actually desirable – we're not looking for neat sheets!

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?

While you can reduce the sugar in the cake batter by about ¼ cup without significantly affecting the texture, I wouldn't recommend reducing the sugar in the syrup. The syrup is essential for the cake's moisture and characteristic sweet finish. If you're concerned about sweetness, try adding a bit more orange zest for a more pronounced citrus flavor to balance the sweetness.

My cake seems too wet after adding the syrup. Did I do something wrong?

Don't worry! It might look very wet initially, but the cake needs time to absorb all that delicious syrup. Make sure to let it cool completely and then refrigerate for the full 1-2 hours (or even overnight). If after that time it still seems too wet, your cake might need a bit more baking next time, or your syrup might have been a bit thin. Remember, though, this is meant to be a very moist cake!

Greek Orange Cake Recipe

Name: Greek Orange Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) package phyllo dough; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 1/4 cup sugar; 4 eggs; 8 oz plain Greek yogurt; 1 1/4 cup orange juice; Zest of 1 orange; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 2/3 cup water; 1 2/3 cup sugar; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cinnamon stick

This Greek Orange Cake is a delightful twist on traditional Greek desserts, combining flaky phyllo dough with bright citrus flavors and a sweet syrup that soaks into every bite. It’s a refreshingly unique treat that’s surprisingly simple to make yet impressive enough for special occasions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uniquely Textured: The crumbled phyllo creates an amazing texture unlike any cake you’ve had before – crispy yet tender and completely soaked in citrusy goodness.
Refreshingly Citrusy: The orange juice, zest, and syrup give this cake a vibrant, sunny flavor that’s perfect for brightening any day.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake actually gets better as it sits and soaks up all that delicious syrup, making it perfect for preparing in advance for gatherings.
Simple Ingredients: Despite its impressive flavor profile, this cake uses basic ingredients you might already have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Phyllo Dough: The star of the show that creates the cake’s unique texture. It gets crumbled up rather than layered, creating pockets that soak up the sweet syrup.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist without overwhelming the delicate citrus flavors. Don’t substitute with stronger-flavored oils like olive oil.
Sugar: Provides sweetness in both the cake batter and syrup. The double dose creates that signature sticky-sweet quality.
Eggs: Act as a binder and give the cake structure while keeping it tender.
Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and moisture. Always use plain, unflavored yogurt for best results.
Orange Juice & Zest: The fresh citrus flavor that makes this cake shine! Fresh-squeezed juice will give you the best flavor if you have the time.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to balance the brightness of the orange.
Baking Powder: Provides lift and airiness to what would otherwise be a dense cake.
Salt: Just a touch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon Stick: Adds a subtle warm spice note to the syrup that complements the orange beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Lemon Greek Cake

Substitute lemon juice and zest for the orange for a tangier version that’s equally delicious.

Honey Syrup Version

Replace half the sugar in the syrup with honey for a more traditional Greek flavor profile.

Spiced Greek Cake

Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves to the batter for a warming winter version.

Almond Orange Cake

Add ½ cup of sliced almonds to the phyllo mixture and top the finished cake with more toasted almonds.

How to Make Greek Orange Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Phyllo

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Unroll the phyllo dough sheets and spread them out to dry for about 20 minutes. This drying process is crucial for achieving the right texture in the finished cake.

Step 2: Make the Batter

While the phyllo dries, whisk together the oil, sugar, and eggs in a large bowl until well combined. Add the Greek yogurt, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla, stirring until smooth. Finally, mix in the salt and baking powder just until incorporated – be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Combine Phyllo and Batter

Tear or crumble the dried phyllo sheets into small pieces and place them in your prepared baking dish. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot – it will compress when mixed with the batter. Pour the orange batter over the phyllo and gently fold everything together until the phyllo is evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with the most incredible orange aroma!

Step 5: Prepare the Syrup

While the cake bakes, combine water, sugar, orange zest, and a cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 6: Soak and Chill

Pour the warm syrup over the hot cake right after it comes out of the oven. Let the cake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours until all that wonderful syrup has been fully absorbed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry the Phyllo Properly: Don’t skip the drying step for the phyllo – it’s essential for the right texture and prevents the cake from becoming soggy.
Even Crumbling: Try to tear the phyllo into fairly consistent small pieces for even distribution throughout the cake.
Hot Cake, Warm Syrup: Pour the syrup over the cake while it’s still hot from the oven – this helps with absorption and creates that signature moist texture.
Patience Pays Off: Allow enough time for the cake to fully absorb the syrup before serving. This isn’t a dessert to rush!
Zest Carefully: When zesting the oranges, avoid the white pith beneath the skin, which can add bitterness.

How to Serve

This Greek Orange Cake shines when served chilled, making it perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a refreshing end to a rich meal.

Perfect Pairings:

A scoop of good vanilla ice cream creates a delightful hot-and-cold contrast
A dollop of unsweetened whipped cream cuts through the sweetness
A sprinkle of chopped pistachios adds color and crunch
A light dusting of powdered sugar and a fresh orange slice makes a beautiful presentation

Beverage Companions:

Greek coffee or espresso balances the sweetness perfectly
A glass of dessert wine like Sauternes complements the citrus notes
Mint tea creates a refreshing finish to the meal

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake actually improves with time as the flavors meld and develop. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days – if it lasts that long!

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. The texture may change slightly but will still be delicious.

Reheating

While traditionally served cold, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if you prefer. This cake is also delicious at room temperature, so you can pull it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use store-bought orange juice, but try to find one without added sugar for the best flavor. Fresh-squeezed will give you the brightest flavor, but good quality bottled juice works well too, especially when you’re short on time.
Why did my phyllo dough dry out too much and break apart while handling?

Phyllo dough is delicate and dries out quickly. For this recipe, we actually want it to dry somewhat, but if it’s breaking into powder rather than small pieces, you might have left it out too long. Next time, check it after 15 minutes. Remember, for this recipe, breaking apart is actually desirable – we’re not looking for neat sheets!
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?

While you can reduce the sugar in the cake batter by about ¼ cup without significantly affecting the texture, I wouldn’t recommend reducing the sugar in the syrup. The syrup is essential for the cake’s moisture and characteristic sweet finish. If you’re concerned about sweetness, try adding a bit more orange zest for a more pronounced citrus flavor to balance the sweetness.
My cake seems too wet after adding the syrup. Did I do something wrong?

Don’t worry! It might look very wet initially, but the cake needs time to absorb all that delicious syrup. Make sure to let it cool completely and then refrigerate for the full 1-2 hours (or even overnight). If after that time it still seems too wet, your cake might need a bit more baking next time, or your syrup might have been a bit thin. Remember, though, this is meant to be a very moist cake!

Final Thoughts

This Greek Orange Cake is sunshine in dessert form! The combination of crispy-turned-tender phyllo with bright orange flavor creates something truly special that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s one of those rare desserts that’s both unique and comforting at the same time. Whether you’re looking to bring something different to a potluck or simply want to enjoy a slice with your afternoon coffee, this cake delivers every time. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!