Fanouropita (Greek Spiced Raisin Cake)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Servings: 12-16 slices
Description:
Fanouropita, or Greek Spiced Raisin Cake, is a cherished traditional dessert enjoyed on the feast day of Saint Fanourios, the patron saint of lost things and revelations. In Greece, this cake is typically baked as an offering to Saint Fanourios, with the accompanying phrase, “God forgive Saint Fanourios’ mother” being said before partaking. Why this tradition? Well, Saint Fanourios’ mother is said to have lived a sinful life, and the cake represents a plea for forgiveness. The cake itself is light, subtly spiced, and full of rich, sweet flavors from the raisins and walnuts. A unique feature of this recipe is that it contains no eggs or butter, making it suitable for those observing the Lenten fast. So, next time you want to bring a little piece of Greece to your kitchen, bake this Fanouropita, and share it with loved ones with a touch of humor and reverence.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups |
| Baking powder | 4 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Ground cloves | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Olive oil | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Additional sugar for sprinkling | 2 tbsp |
| Oranges (juice and zest) | 2 oranges |
| Brandy | 2 tbsp |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Golden raisins | 1 cup |
| Walnuts, chopped | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 548.2 kcal |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 222.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 70.6 g |
| Fiber | 3.7 g |
| Sugar | 29.7 g |
| Protein | 6.8 g |
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready when the cake batter is prepared.
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Prepare the Pan: Grease a 12-inch round cake pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Lightly flour the greased surface to prevent sticking. This step will help ensure that the cake comes out easily once baked.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Whisk them together until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the olive oil, sugar, orange juice, brandy, and orange zest. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients thoroughly until the sugar begins to dissolve in the liquids.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until fully incorporated. The batter will be slightly thick, but that’s perfectly fine.
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Add the Raisins and Walnuts: Stir in the golden raisins and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The raisins will plump up during baking, adding a burst of sweetness to each bite.
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Transfer to the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula for an even layer.
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Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. The cake is done when a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake, as oven temperatures can vary slightly.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the Fanouropita to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can sprinkle a little extra sugar on top for an added touch of sweetness.
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Enjoy: Fanouropita is typically served as a dessert, but it also makes a wonderful snack for guests or a festive treat for special occasions like Saint Fanourios’ Day. Traditionally, before eating, you can say, “God forgive Saint Fanourios’ mother,” reflecting the humorous and reverent nature of this Greek custom.
Tips and Variations:
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can increase the amount of cinnamon or cloves to suit your taste.
- The addition of brandy gives this cake a lovely depth of flavor. If you’d prefer an alcohol-free version, you can replace the brandy with an extra splash of orange juice or water.
- While the recipe calls for golden raisins, you can substitute them with other dried fruits like currants or sultanas.
- To make this cake even more festive, you can dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This Fanouropita, with its wonderful blend of spices, raisins, and nuts, offers a warm and comforting taste of Greek tradition that will surely be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re making it for a special religious observance or just for a sweet treat, this cake has the power to bring people together and add a touch of cultural richness to your table. Enjoy!
