Fanouropita (Greek Spiced Sultana Cake)

Fanouropita (Greek Spiced Sultana Cake) is a traditional Greek recipe for a classic lenten cake made with a plain batter flavoured with spices and sultanas that is often prepared for the feast of Aghios Fanourios (Saint Fanourios) the saint of revelation. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Greek version of: Greek Spiced Sultana Cake (Fanouropita).

prep time

20 minutes

cook time

60 minutes

Total Time:

80 minutes

Serves:

12–15

Rating:

Tags : Vegetarian Recipes Spice Recipes Baking Recipes Cake Recipes Greece Recipes

This is a classic Lenten cake from Greece (it contains no eggs and no butter). Traditionally it is baked for Aghios Fanourios (Saint Fanourios) the saint of revelation and is traditionally served n his feast day, August 27th. It is traditional to say 'God forgive Saint Fanourios' mom' before eating it.

Ingredients:

500g plain flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp salt
250ml olive oil
200g sugar + 2 tbsp sugar
finely-grated zest of 2 oranges
juice of 2 oranges
120ml brandy (preferably Cypriot brandy)
75g sultanas
75g walnuts, toasted and chopped

Method:

Combine the flour, baking powder and spices n a bowl.

In a separate bowl, beat together the oil, sugar, orange juice, brandy and orange zest.

Add the flour to the liquid ingredients, along wit the sultanas and walnuts.

Mix well to combine, then scrape the batter into a buttered and floured baking dish (about 22 x 30 x 5cm) or a 30cm diameter springform cake tin.

Transfer to an oven pre-heated to 170°C and bake for between 45 minutes and 60 minutes, or until the top is nicely golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake emerges cleanly.

Allow to cool before slicing and serving.