Name: Greek Orange Pie: A Refreshing Citrus Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487184H4M38S
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 package phyllo dough (about 20 sheets), thawed; 3 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed); 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1 cup plain yogurt; ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup granulated sugar (for syrup); 1 cup water (for syrup); 1 cup orange juice (for syrup); 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for syrup)

Greek Orange Pie: A Refreshing Citrus Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Greek Orange Pie is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing. The soft, custardy filling made from orange juice and zest creates a delicate flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the crispy layers of phyllo dough. The syrup, made from fresh orange juice and sugar, soaks into the layers of the pie, making every bite a perfect combination of sweet and citrusy goodness. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s great for serving a crowd, and its light texture makes it perfect for a warm, sunny day.

Ingredients

For the pie:

1 package phyllo dough (about 20 sheets), thawed
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 cup plain yogurt
½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking powder

For the syrup:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon lemon juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the syrup:

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, orange juice, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
Let the syrup simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool while you prepare the pie.

Prepare the pie:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter or vegetable oil.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, yogurt, oil (or melted butter), vanilla extract, and baking powder until smooth and well-combined.
Tear the phyllo dough into small pieces (roughly 2-inch pieces) and add it to the wet mixture. Gently toss the phyllo pieces into the mixture, making sure each piece is coated with the orange batter. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy due to the phyllo dough.
Pour the phyllo mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy—that’s part of the charm!
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown on top and set in the middle.

Soak the pie with the syrup:

Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup over the hot pie. Be sure to pour the syrup evenly so it soaks into the phyllo layers and the pie becomes nicely sweetened.
Allow the pie to cool completely, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the syrup soak in.

Serve:

Once the pie is chilled, cut it into squares or slices and serve cold. You can garnish with a little extra orange zest or a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: 3 hours

Variations

Add nuts: For an added crunch, sprinkle some chopped pistachios or almonds over the top of the pie before baking, or mix them into the batter.
Use other citrus fruits: While this recipe focuses on oranges, you can also experiment with other citrus fruits like lemons or grapefruits for a slightly different flavor profile.
Layered variation: Instead of tearing the phyllo dough into pieces, you can layer it in the baking dish and pour the orange mixture over the phyllo layers for a more traditional pie presentation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Greek Orange Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The pie tastes best when fully chilled, as the flavors will continue to develop over time.
Freezing: You can freeze portions of the pie by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Greek Orange Pie without phyllo dough?

Phyllo dough is an essential part of the texture and traditional look of this pie. However, you could use a different type of pastry crust (like shortcrust) if you prefer, though it will change the texture and flavor slightly.

Can I use store-bought orange juice?

Freshly squeezed orange juice will give the pie a much brighter and fresher flavor, but if you don’t have fresh oranges, store-bought juice will work as well.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! Greek Orange Pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. In fact, it often tastes even better after chilling for a longer time, as the syrup has more time to soak into the phyllo dough.

Can I make Greek Orange Pie without yogurt?

While yogurt adds creaminess and tang to the pie, you can substitute it with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a bit of heavy cream for a different texture and flavor.

Is Greek Orange Pie gluten-free?

Unfortunately, this recipe isn’t gluten-free as it contains phyllo dough, which is made with wheat flour. However, you can use gluten-free phyllo dough or a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version of the pie.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?

If you prefer a healthier version, you can substitute the granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar, though it may slightly alter the texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the pie from being soggy?

Allow the syrup to cool slightly before pouring it over the hot pie. Also, make sure the pie is baked until golden brown before adding the syrup. This will ensure that the layers hold up well and don’t become too soggy.

Conclusion

Greek Orange Pie (Portokalopita) is a light, refreshing, and indulgent dessert that combines the bright flavors of oranges with the richness of phyllo dough and creamy custard. The layers of crispy phyllo dough soaked in fragrant orange syrup offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making this dessert an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, family gathering, or as a sweet way to end a meal, Greek Orange Pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.