Traditional Greek Vasilopita Recipe for New Year's Celebration

Ingredients

2 cups of sugar
1 cup of butter, at room temperature
5 eggs, separated
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
3 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 cup of yogurt
1⁄4 cup of brandy
1 coin, wrapped in foil
1 cup of powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 10-inch round cake pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and orange zest.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually mix into the butter mixture alternately with the yogurt and brandy.
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Fold the egg whites into the batter until evenly incorporated.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Place the coin into the batter, then cover with the remaining batter. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 60 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Just before serving, dust the cake with powdered sugar.

Tools for making

Mixing bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
Electric mixer - A handheld or stand mixer for creaming the butter and sugar, and beating the egg whites.
Cake pan - A 10-inch round cake pan for baking the Vasilopita.
Spatula - A tool for smoothing the batter and transferring the cake from the pan.
Wire rack - A rack for cooling the cake after baking.
Toothpick - Used to test the doneness of the cake.
Powdered sugar sifter - A tool for dusting the cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced flavor.
Replace the orange zest with lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds to the batter for added texture.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Include dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates in the batter for added sweetness.
Create a glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice or orange juice and drizzle it over the cooled cake.
Add a teaspoon of almond extract or rum extract to enhance the flavor.
Add a teaspoon of ground cardamom or cloves for a warm and aromatic taste.
Instead of yogurt, use sour cream or buttermilk for a tangier flavor.

Recipe overview

Vasilopita is a traditional Greek cake served at midnight on New Year's Eve to celebrate the start of the New Year. This rich and moist cake is flavored with a hint of brandy and orange zest, giving it a unique and refreshing taste. The highlight of this festive cake is the coin hidden inside, which brings good luck to the person who finds it in their slice. This recipe is relatively easy to follow, although it requires a little bit of time and precision. The result is a deliciously sweet and moist cake that not only symbolizes good fortune and blessings for the New Year, but also satisfies your sweet tooth. Enjoy the process of baking this traditional dessert and have a great New Year!

Common questions

Can I substitute the butter with margarine? No, it is best to use butter for this recipe to achieve the desired taste and texture.
Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of brandy? Yes, you can substitute brandy with rum or whiskey if you prefer.
Can I omit the coin? Yes, you can choose to omit the coin if you prefer not to include it in the cake.
How should I wrap the coin? Make sure to wrap the coin tightly in foil to ensure it is fully sealed and doesn't come into direct contact with the cake batter.
Can I use a different size cake pan? It is best to use a 10-inch round cake pan as specified in the recipe to ensure proper baking and texture. However, you can use a similar-sized pan if that is what you have available.
Can I use a different type of flour? All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can use cake flour if you prefer a lighter texture. Avoid using self-rising flour as it already contains leavening agents.
How should I store the Vasilopita? Once cooled, you can store the Vasilopita in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowl - A large bowl for combining and mixing the ingredients.
Electric mixer - Used to cream the butter and sugar and beat the egg yolks.
Spatula - For smoothing the top of the cake batter in the pan.
Cake pan - A 10-inch round cake pan for baking the Vasilopita.
Toothpick - Used to test the doneness of the cake by inserting it into the center.
Wire rack - A rack for cooling the cake after baking.
Sifter - Used to dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Origin stories

Vasilopita is a traditional Greek cake served at midnight on New Year's Eve to celebrate Saint Basil's day. Saint Basil is the Greek equivalent of Santa Claus, known for his kindness and generosity to those in need. The story goes that during a time of great famine, Saint Basil called on the citizens of Caesarea to bring their gold and jewelry to him so he could pay an unfair tax imposed by the emperor. The people did as he asked, but the emperor was so moved by their willingness to part with their wealth that he rescinded his tax. Saint Basil was then tasked with returning the valuables, but with no way to know which items belonged to which households, he baked all of the jewelry into loaves of bread and distributed them among the citizens. Miraculously, each citizen received their exact share. In memory of this event, a coin is hidden in the Vasilopita cake each year, and it is believed that the person who finds the coin in their slice will be blessed with good luck for the entire year.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.