Fanouropita: A Greek Cake Steeped in Legend and Faith

The Traditional Greek Fanouropita

Fanouropita, also known as Saint Fanourios Cake, is a traditional Greek cake baked in honour of Saint Fanourios, the patron saint of lost things. This delicious, vegan cake holds a special place in Greek Orthodox tradition and is associated with seeking the intercession of Saint Fanourios to find lost items or to ask for help in difficult situations. The cake is typically prepared and shared with others on August 27th, the feast day of Saint Fanourios, but it can also be made any time someone needs his help.

Origins and Significance

The story of Fanouropita is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Greek religious and cultural history. Saint Fanourios is a relatively modern saint, with the first records of his existence dating back to the 14th century. His story is intertwined with the discovery of an icon on the island of Rhodes, which depicted the saint holding a lit candle in one hand and a cross in the other, surrounded by twelve scenes of martyrdom. The exact details of his life remain a mystery, but he is venerated as a protector and guide, especially when it comes to finding lost objects or even lost souls.

Conclusion

Fanouropita is more than just a cake; it is a symbol of faith, community, and tradition in Greek culture. Whether made to honour the saint, to seek his help, or simply to enjoy a slice of Greek heritage, Fanouropita connects people to a centuries-old tradition that continues to inspire and comfort believers today.

Here’s a traditional recipe for Fanouropita

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a round or square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, sugar, orange juice, and water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Add the Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Add the baking soda to the mixture, and stir well. It may bubble up slightly because of the reaction with the orange juice, which is normal. Add the baking powder next and mix thoroughly.

Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Raisins and Walnuts (Optional): If you’re using raisins and/or walnuts, fold them into the batter.

Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Cool and Serve: Allow the Fanouropita to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can dust it with powdered sugar before serving if desired.