How to Make Fanouropita: Greek Saint Fanourios Cake
Moist, spiced, and deeply symbolic, Fanouropita is more than just a cake in Greece—it’s a sweet tradition baked every year on August 27th in honor of Saint Fanourios, the saint of lost things… So don’t lose this recipe because it’s fantastic!
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There are cakes you bake for taste and cakes you bake for love, but Fanouropita is one you bake for faith.
Every year on August 27th, homes across Greece fill with the scent of cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest, as families prepare this special cake dedicated to Agios Fanourios, the saint who “reveals” (in Greek, fanerono) what has been lost.
Legend says that if you’ve lost something—be it an object, peace of mind, or even direction in life—you bake this cake and offer it in Saint Fanourios’ name.
Traditionally, it’s then brought to church to be blessed and shared with others, making it not only a delicious cake but also a powerful act of community and devotion.
Fanouropita is usually made with seven or nine ingredients, both considered sacred numbers in Greek Orthodoxy. It is an oil-based cake, vegan by tradition, and flavored with warm spices, orange juice, and sometimes nuts or raisins.
My personal twist? I occasionally add a touch of cocoa powder or dark chocolate chunks because the kids hardly ever enjoy just nuts and raisins.
Chocolate is not part of the tradition, but it blends beautifully with the spices without taking away from the cake’s meaning.
Why is Fanouropita Baked?
Fanouropita is baked to honor Saint Fanourios, whose icon was discovered in Rhodes in the 14th century.
Across Greece, he is honored as the patron saint of lost things, and his feast day is marked by baking and sharing this cake.
(Photo via George E. Koronaios – Commons Wikimedia)
Some families bake it in memory of their loved ones, especially their mothers, while others prepare it as a symbolic prayer to help “find” health, happiness, or even solutions to problems.
How I Make This Cake
When I make Fanouropita, I begin by whisking together orange juice, sugar, and olive oil—it’s the Mediterranean trinity of sweetness and aroma.
I prepare a small bowl with a few tablespoons of orange juice, add warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, and incorporate the baking soda until it forms a bubbling foam.
Then, I mix that bubbling mixture into the bowl with the orange juice and oil, and slowly add the flour using a sieve.
I keep stirring until I have a fragrant, yellow batter. At this point, I sometimes stir in a handful of raisins, chopped walnuts, or even a spoonful of cocoa powder, if I feel like making a “festive” version.
Once baked, the cake is super tender (if you cut it while still hot, it will crumble!) and fragrant. It’s often served with a dusting of powdered sugar. And yes, just like tradition says, I always make sure to share it.
Fanouropita (Greek Saint Fanourios Cake)
Ingredients
- 350 ml orange juice
- 350 ml light olive oil or sunflower oil
- 300 grams sugar
- 500 grams self-rising flour
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground clove
- 70 grams raisins (optional)
- 100 grams walnuts chopped (optional)
- 150 grams dark chocolate chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a round cake pan (26 cm). I use a silicon pan and spray with vegetable cooking oil.
- In a bowl, whisk the orange juice,(leave aside 4 tbsp of juice) with the sugar, and the olive oil until the sugar dissolves.
- In a different (smaller) bowl, add the cinnamon and cloves, mix in the bakong soda, and the extra orange juice, mix until it creates a foam.
- Add the baking soda mix to the orange juice mix. Still well.
- Sift the flour and gradually fold it into the wet mixture.
- Stir in the raisins, walnuts (and chocolate if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool very well, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
Tips, Secrets & Variations
- Sacred numbers: Traditionally, we use 7 or 9 ingredients—but you can adapt to taste.
- Keep it vegan: This cake contains no eggs or dairy, making it perfect for fasting periods, including Lent.
- Chocolate version: A modern addition that blends wonderfully with the spices.
- Serving tradition: Always share your Fanouropita—half the joy lies in giving it away.
- Flavor variations: Swap walnuts for almonds, add sesame seeds on top, or drizzle with honey for a richer finish.
Fanouropita is more than a cake—it’s a story of faith, tradition, and community. You can bake it the traditional way or add a little chocolate if kids are also joining the table!
Pin for Later!
How to Make Greek Fanouropita
Gabi Ancarola
Gabi is a travel writer who has lived in Crete for over a decade. Through her blog, Crete Insider, she has helped travelers uncover local experiences. Passionate about food and Cretan cuisine, she now attends Greek cooking lessons to bring the island’s flavors straight to your kitchen!
Discover The Greek Yogurt Recipe Book — a curated collection of 35 delicious recipes using Greek yogurt, from wholesome breakfasts to savory dinners and refreshing treats.
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