In Greek tradition, there is a special cake, simple and fragrant, yet full of symbolism. It is called fanouropita and is made in honor of Saint Fanourios, a saint whom people turn to when they want to find what they have lost - whether it is an object, health, or love and peace.

When is fanuropita traditionally made?

Fanouropita is prepared on August 27, the day of Saint Fanourios. On that day, believers bake it at home and bring it to the church, where the cake is blessed and then shared with the community. It is believed that, with prayer, Fanouropita helps to find what has been lost.

Symbolism of ingredients

What makes this cake special is not only the taste but also the number of ingredients. Fanouropita is always made with 7 or 9 ingredients - numbers that have deep symbolic meaning in Orthodox tradition and are connected to divine mysteries and angelic orders.

Lenten and simple - a vegan dessert

Fanouropita is basically a lenten cake - without eggs and dairy products. Therefore, it is completely adapted to fasting, but also a perfect choice for those looking for a vegan dessert.

Traditional Fanouropita (7 ingredients) - recipe

This is a recipe that was prepared in homes over 100 years ago, when there was no baking powder or baking soda. The ingredients were those that housewives always had on hand.

Ingredients:

  • Flour
  • Olive oil
  • Red wine or orange juice
  • Honey
  • Cinnamon
  • Raisins
  • Walnuts

Preparation:

Mix oil with honey (or sugar).
Add wine or orange juice, then stir in cinnamon.
Gradually add flour until you get a thick mixture.
Finally, add walnuts and raisins.
Bake in the oven at a moderate temperature until the cake gets a nice color and the whole house smells fragrant.

Modern fanouropita with 11 ingredients

Over time, the recipe has received modern additions such as baking powder and baking soda, to make the cake fluffier and softer. As citrus fruits became available, orange juice is used instead of wine and sugar instead of honey. It is also difficult to follow the numbers because modern fanuropita includes spices to your taste (such as vanilla) as well as nuts or dried fruits of your choice. Therefore, we will provide a recipe for a modern cake with 11 ingredients, but you should not be limited in adding spices, flavors, and combinations of dried fruits or nuts.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (410 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons (10 g) baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • half a teaspoon ground cloves
  • zest of one orange (grated, before juicing)
  • 3⁄4 cup (180 ml) mild olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1.5 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • 1.5 cups (310 ml) orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1⁄2 cup (70 g) ground walnuts
  • 1⁄2 cup (75 g) raisins

Decoration is not included in the ingredients, but you can sprinkle with powdered sugar. You can also add vanilla extract if you like that flavor combination (orange and vanilla).

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Grease and line with parchment paper a round cake pan (about 25 cm in diameter).
In a bowl, mix together: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest.
In another larger bowl, cream together the oil and sugar.
In the orange juice, dissolve the baking soda until foamy, then add to the oil and sugar mixture. (Baking soda in orange juice helps remove bitterness).
Add vanilla extract, if using.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring until combined.
In the bowl with walnuts and raisins, add 2–3 teaspoons of flour, toss to coat, then fold them into the mixture.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake in the middle of the oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
Run a knife around the edges of the cake, let it cool, then dust with powdered sugar.

More than a cake

Fanouropita is not just a recipe - it is a story of community, faith, and hope. When the cake is shared with family or in church, it reminds us that what is lost is often found through love, solidarity, and prayer.
Whether you choose the old-fashioned version with 7 ingredients or the modernized one with 9, 11, or more, this cake will captivate you with its simplicity and aroma, and perhaps help you find what you are looking for.

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