Fanouropita is a spiced Lenten Cake made in the name of Saint Fanourios, Patron Saint of Lost Things. Want to get a new job? Need to find your runaway cat? Saint Fanourios is the martyr you need to pray to! This cake has moved from religious practice to a regular bake in our house, and it is the perfect, healthier option to go with your mid-morning cup of coffee…

Fanouropita is a great vegan cake recipe too, as it lacks eggs and butter. Made to be blessed at church on August 27th in Saint Fanourios’ name, this recipe usually contains seven or nine ingredients (numbers holy in the Greek Orthodox Church and in broader Christianity); but the actual ingredients included vary across Greece. Saint Fanourios’ icon, and therefore his sainthood, was rediscovered on Rhodes, where I am from - so this is a Rhodes version of Fanouropita.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy during your next coffee break or tea time, look no further than this delicious Fanouropita recipe. This spiced cake is made with an enriched dough that’s lightly sweeter than most other Greek pastries and can stand in as good enough breakfast muffins! Check out our blog about Saint Faniourios to read more about the Fanouropita tradition!