Agios Fanourios Cake - Fanouropita (Spiced Raisin Cake No Eggs)
Aghios Fanourios or Saint Fanourios is a byzantine saint who is believed to have lived around the 4th century. It is a Greek Orthodox custom to bake a cake in his honour on August 27th, cut it in small pieces and to share iit with the rest of the church congregation who, in turn, will eat it and say "May God forgive Agios Fanourios' Mother". It is a delicious cake with no eggs or butter. This recipe has been in my family for decades. Hope you like it !
Total time
75 min
Servings
12
Calories
524.8
Category
Dessert
Fanouropita is a traditional Greek spiced raisin cake that carries a beautiful cultural history of helping one find lost items. This egg-free, vegan version relies on the deep warmth of cloves and cinnamon combined with zesty orange and crunchy walnuts for a fragrant, aromatic dessert that suits any afternoon coffee break.
Ingredients
Makes 12 servings
- 1 sugar
- 1 1/2 golden raisin
- 1 walnuts
- 1 1/2 ground cloves
- 1 cinnamon
- 1/2 flour
- 1 - 1 1/2 baking powder
- 4 cognac
- 4 orange
Method
Preheat the oven to 170 degrees.
Hidrate the raisins in water or cognac (heat water/cognac and soak the raisins til they are tender).
Butter and flour a 10-11 inches round cake pan or use silicon lining.
Mix the oil and the sugar in a bowl. With a mixer/electric blender beat it for 3-4 minutes.
Add the orange juice and beat for 1 more minute.
Add to the liquid mix the raisins, walnuts, ground clove, cinnamon, orange peel, cognac.
Add to the preparation the flour previously mixed with the baking powder and mix making sure there are no lumps.
Pour mixture in baking pan and place in oven for 55 / 60 minutes in 170 degrees.
Check if the cake is ready with a toothpick in the middle of the cake. Should come out clean.
Cook's notes
- Hydrating your raisins in warm cognac rather than water significantly plumps the fruit and adds a deeper, complex baseline flavor to the finished crumb.
- When beating the oil and sugar, ensure you continue until the mixture looks pale and slightly emulsified to provide structure without the need for eggs.
- Do not skip the orange zest; the essential oils in the peel interact with the ground cloves to create the signature spiced profile of this specific cake.
- Because this is a dense, fruit-heavy cake, use a 10-inch springform pan to ensure the center bakes through evenly without burning the edges.
Easy swaps
- Instead of Cognac, use Fresh-pressed apple ciderProvides a non-alcoholic way to soften the raisins while maintaining the necessary acidic liquid balance.
- Instead of Golden raisins, use Dried cranberries or currantsCurrants offer a more traditional, earthier flavor profile, while cranberries add a sharp brightness against the cinnamon.
- Instead of Walnuts, use Toasted pecansPecans offer a softer texture and a slightly sweeter, buttery note that pairs perfectly with the orange juice base.
- Instead of All-purpose flour, use Spelt flourThe nuttiness of spelt flour complements the cloves and cinnamon, enhancing the rustic, traditional nature of this spice cake.
Frequently asked
Why is this cake traditionally called a 'finding cake'?
Fanouropita is named after Saint Fanourios; tradition dictates that the cake is baked to help locate lost items or clarify missing situations.
Do I need to use an electric mixer for the oil and sugar?
Yes, using an electric mixer for at least 3-4 minutes is essential to help the sugar dissolve into the oil, which provides the necessary lift since there are no eggs.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
While we haven't tested it, a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum usually works well for this density of cake.
How do I know when the Fanouropita is finished baking?
Due to the raisins and walnuts, a toothpick might come out slightly moist; aim for a golden-brown crust and a firm center that springs back when touched.
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