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. While it requires some patience to cool and soak, the result is a comforting, aromatic treat that tastes even better on the second day. It is a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a slice of Greek heritage at home.
Saint Fanourios Cake
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
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163°C).
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In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine orange juice, 1/2 cup brandy, butter, golden raisins, sugar, honey, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and syrupy.
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Remove the saucepan from heat and set it in a bowl of cold water to cool the mixture completely to room temperature.
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Once cooled, sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda directly into the syrup.
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Beat the mixture vigorously by hand or with a mixer for 8 to 10 minutes, until the batter is smooth, light, and bubbly.
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Stir in the grated orange peel until evenly distributed.
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Pour the batter into a well-buttered 7-inch fluted tube pan or an 8-inch loaf pan.
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Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the batter.
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Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the hot cake with the remaining 1/4 cup brandy.
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Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1049.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 21.8g34%
- Saturated Fat 6.1g31%
- Cholesterol 16.4mg6%
- Sodium 19258.5mg803%
- Total Carbohydrate 214.2g72%
- Dietary Fiber 10.3g42%
- Sugars 164.2g
- Protein 9.8g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The cake should be cooled completely in the pan to ensure it absorbs the syrup properly.
If sesame seeds are omitted, the cake will still be delicious but will lack the traditional nutty texture and visual appeal.
This cake tastes best when made a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to meld.
Ensure the syrup mixture is completely cool before adding the flour to prevent the baking powder from activating too early.
You can substitute the brandy with orange juice or water if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, though the flavor profile will be milder.
