Traditional Greek Fanouropita – Easy Monastery Cake with 8+1 Ingredients

Fanouropita is a traditional Greek cake baked in honor of Saint Phanourios, often prepared on August 27th. This monastery-style recipe is simple, dairy-free, and egg-free, made with fragrant orange juice, olive oil, sugar, raisins, and warm spices.

The special twist is the “8 + 1 ingredients” tradition: while the base uses 8 ingredients, the ninth is left to the baker’s choice, symbolizing creativity and personal devotion. Fluffy, moist, and lightly spiced, this cake is perfect for sharing with family, friends, or neighbors.

Traditional Greek Fanouropita – Easy Monastery Cake with 8+1 Ingredients

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: DessertCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

20

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

310

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

15

minutes

Easy monastery-style Fanouropita cake with 8+1 ingredients. Traditional Greek recipe with olive oil, orange juice, raisins, and warm spices.

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Ingredients

Metric US

• 370 g 1 1/2 cup Olive Oil

• 370 g 1 1/2 cup Orange Juice

• Zest of 1 Orange

• 370 g 2 cup Sugar (plus powdered sugar for dusting)

• 200 g 1 1/4 cup Black Raisins

• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp Baking Soda

• 2 tsp 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves

• 750 g 6 cup Self-rising Flour

• The 9th Ingredient (choose one)

• Sesame Seeds for Sprinkling OR

• 150 g 1 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts OR

• 2 2 Vanillin Capsules OR

• 1 pinch 1 pinch Salt OR

• 30 g 2 tbsp Water OR

• Any other favorite addition (this recipe used salt)

Recipe directions

• In a large bowl, mix olive oil and sugar with a whisk.
• Add cinnamon and cloves; mix well.
• Pour in most of the orange juice (reserve ¼ cup). Stir.
• Mix the reserved orange juice with baking soda and add to the bowl.
• Add the flour gradually, mixing until smooth. Let rest for 5 minutes.
• Line a 30×38 cm (12×15 in) baking pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter.
• Toss raisins with 1 tbsp flour and scatter on top. Press lightly with a spatula to submerge them.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F, bottom heat) for 1 hour.
• Let cool, unmold, dust with powdered sugar, and decorate with your chosen 9th ingredient.

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🕯️ The Tradition of Fanouropita

Greek Fanouropita is baked in memory of Saint Phanourios, who is believed to help people find lost items and bring blessings. According to tradition, the cake must be shared with neighbors and loved ones as a gesture of kindness and community.

🍊 Why 8 + 1 Ingredients?

Traditionally, Fanouropita is prepared with 7, 9, or 11 ingredients, always in odd numbers. This recipe uses 8 + 1, meaning the baker chooses the last ingredient. It’s a beautiful way to make the cake personal while honoring tradition.

🌿 Tips for the Best Greek Fanouropita

• Use freshly squeezed orange juice for natural flavor.
• Toss the raisins with flour so they don’t sink.
• For extra aroma, decorate with sesame seeds or walnuts.

More Traditional Greek Desserts to Try

• Greek Fanouropita Cake in 5 Minutes
• Vegan Oil-Free Samali
• Vegan Greek Tsoureki