Fanuropita is a traditional Greek cake that is usually made to honor Saint Fanourios, the patron saint of lost items.

According to tradition, if someone has lost something and bakes a fanuropita and offers it to the church, Saint Fanourios will help them find the lost item. The recipe for fanuropita is simple and easy to make, with only 10 ingredients needed.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of olive oil
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of orange juice
• 1 cup of chopped walnuts
• 1 cup of raisins
• 1 tsp of baking powder
• 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 1 tsp of ground cloves
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour

Preparation

To make the fanuropita, first preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, sugar, and orange juice. Mix well.
2. Add the chopped walnuts and raisins to the mixing bowl and stir until well combined.
3. Add the baking powder, cinnamon, ground cloves, and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl. Mix well.
4. Add the flour to the mixing bowl, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Knead the dough by hand until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Grease a 9-inch cake pan with some olive oil and sprinkle with some flour to prevent sticking.
7. Press the dough into the cake pan, making sure it is evenly distributed and smooth on top.
8. Bake the fanuropita in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top.
9. Remove the fanuropita from the oven and let it cool in the cake pan for about 15 minutes.
10. Flip the fanuropita onto a plate and let it cool completely before serving.

Serving

Fanuropita is traditionally served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. It can be served warm or at room temperature, and is perfect with a cup of Greek coffee or tea. It is often served in small slices, as it is quite rich and filling.

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Variations

While the traditional fanuropita recipe calls for walnuts and raisins, you can also experiment with other ingredients to make it your own. Some people like to add shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips to their fanuropita.

You can also adjust the spices to your liking, adding more or less cinnamon or cloves depending on your taste.

Conclusion

Fanuropita is a delicious and easy-to-make Greek cake that is traditionally baked in honor of Saint Fanourios. With only 10 ingredients, it is a simple recipe that anyone can make at home.

Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with your own variations, fanuropita is sure to become a favorite in your household.