Fanouropita is a traditional Greek sweet bread-like cake, prepared on August 27th in honor of Saint Fanourios, the saint who “reveals” (from the Greek verb fanerono) what is lost.
This simple, fragrant cake – made with olive oil, orange juice, raisins, and warm spices – is associated with faith and gratitude.
According to tradition, the cake is offered for the soul of Saint Fanourios’ mother, with the blessing “God forgive his mother.”
It is believed that Saint Fanourios helps reveal lost items, life paths, or even a future spouse, making this cake both a spiritual act and a beloved culinary custom.
The recipe always includes an odd number of ingredients (7, 9, or 11), symbolizing faith and divine order. It’s a vegan-friendly, dairy-free and egg-free cake, perfect for Lent or any time of the year.
Ingredients (for one medium baking pan)
- 230 g sunflower oil (or olive oil for a stronger taste)
- 200 g sugar
- 300 g fresh orange juice
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 20 g baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 100 g raisins (lightly floured to prevent sinking)
- 50 g chopped walnuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Tip: The traditional version uses olive oil, but for a lighter taste, use sunflower oil.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil and sugar until combined. Add the orange juice and mix well.
- Add the cinnamon and ground cloves.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Fold in the raisins and walnuts.
- Grease and flour a 30 cm (12-inch) baking pan, pour in the mixture, and smooth the surface.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.
Variations & Tips
- Use only raisins or only walnuts for a simpler version.
- Some recipes omit cloves for a milder flavor.
- You can use self-rising flour instead of flour and baking powder.
- Use one of grandma’s doilies as a stencil for the powdered sugar you’ll sprinkle on top of the cake.
Nutrition Facts (per slice, based on 12 servings)
Calories: ~320 kcal
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 46 g
Sugars: 18 g
Protein: 4 g
Fiber: 2 g
(Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)
CookTheGreekWay 