Saint Fanourios Cake

Servings: 2 cups Difficulty: Advanced
A traditional Greek honey-soaked loaf cake spiced with cinnamon and cloves.
Saint Fanourios Cake recipe image

Saint Fanourios Cake

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 2 cups Calories: 250

Description

Saint Fanourios Cake is a beloved traditional Greek dessert, often baked for religious festivals and family gatherings. This dense, moist loaf is distinctively flavored with a rich syrup made from orange juice, honey, brandy, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. The batter, thick with golden raisins and studded with sesame seeds, bakes into a tender crumb that absorbs the sweet, boozy syrup beautifully. It has a deep amber color and a sticky, indulgent texture that pairs perfectly with strong coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163°C).
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine orange juice, 1/2 cup brandy, butter, golden raisins, sugar, honey, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and syrupy.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat and set it in a bowl of cold water to cool the mixture completely to room temperature.
  6. Once cooled, sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda directly into the syrup.
  7. Beat the mixture vigorously by hand or with a mixer for 8 to 10 minutes, until the batter is smooth, light, and bubbly.
  8. Stir in the grated orange peel until evenly distributed.
  9. Pour the batter into a well-buttered 7-inch fluted tube pan or an 8-inch loaf pan.
  10. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the batter.
  11. Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  12. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the hot cake with the remaining 1/4 cup brandy.
  13. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2 cups


Amount Per Serving
Calories 250kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 1.5g8%
Cholesterol 4mg2%
Sodium 480mg20%
Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
Dietary Fiber 2.5g10%
Sugars 40g
Protein 2.5g5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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