Greek Fanouropita Cake in 5 Minutes

Fanouropita is a traditional Greek cake dedicated to Saint Phanourios, often prepared on August 27th or any time you wish to honor the saint and seek his help.

This easy version can be made in just 5 minutes without weighing ingredients – everything is measured in cups, making it foolproof. It’s light, fluffy, and stays moist for days thanks to the perfect balance of orange juice, oil, and spices.

Vegan and perfect for fasting periods, this cake combines tradition with convenience.

Greek Fanouropita Cake in 5 Minutes

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert, Lent Fasting, Pies and Pastries, VegetarianCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

18

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

210

kcal

Total time

50

minutes

Quick and easy Greek Fanouropita cake, ready in 5 minutes without weighing ingredients. Soft, fluffy, and vegan, with orange, cinnamon, and brandy-soaked raisins.

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Ingredients

Metric US

• 5 cups 5 Self-Raising Flour

• 2 cups 2 Sugar

• Powdered Sugar for Dusting

• 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 Orange Juice

• Zest of 2 Oranges

• 1/2 cup 1/2 Vegetable Oil

• 1 – 1 1/2 cups 1 – 1 1/2 Black Raisins

• 4 tbsp 4 Brandy

• 1 tbsp 1 Ground Cinnamon

• 1 tsp 1 Baking Soda

• Pistachios or Walnuts

How to make Fanouropita

• In a bowl, mix vegetable oil, sugar, and orange juice until sugar dissolves.
• Add orange zest, cinnamon, and baking soda, mix well.
• Stir in the flour and combine thoroughly.
• In a separate bowl, mix raisins with brandy and 2 tablespoons flour.
• Add raisins to the main mixture and fold gently with a spatula.
• Pour batter into a 30×35 cm (12×14 inches) baking pan and spread evenly.
• Preheat oven to 170°C/340°F fan (180°C/355°F conventional).
• Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden on top.
• Once baked, invert the cake onto a plate and allow it to cool completely.
• Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle pistachios or walnuts around the edges.

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Fanouropita is a cherished part of Greek Orthodox tradition, baked in honor of Saint Phanourios. This sweet cake is always made without eggs or dairy, which makes it naturally vegan and perfect for fasting periods. In this version, we skip the kitchen scale entirely and use cup measurements for a quick and easy preparation.

The secret to keeping the cake soft and preventing it from crumbling lies in the right liquid-to-flour ratio, plus the addition of raisins soaked in brandy for flavor and moisture. Fresh orange juice and zest add a beautiful citrus aroma, while cinnamon provides warmth and depth. Once baked, the cake is topped with powdered sugar and nuts or sesame seeds for a festive finish.

This quick 5-minute Fanouropita recipe is ideal for church offerings, family gatherings, or simply as an everyday treat with tea or coffee. With its simplicity and long-lasting freshness, it’s a recipe worth keeping.