Vasilopita –The Greek Lucky New Year’s Cake
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
16
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Calories
290 kcal
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Course
Dessert
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Greek
Vasilopita –The Greek Lucky New Year’s Cake
Description
Vasilopita – The Greek Lucky New Year’s Cake is made from a batter combining flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, orange juice, and zest. The ingredients create a thick batter baked in a greased 9-10 inch springform pan. The orange elements provide citrus notes that complement the rich butter and sugar base. The coin, if included, is hidden in the batter before baking, adding tradition and fun to the cake.
The baking time ranges from 45 to 60 minutes, needing a knife check to confirm doneness. Cooling fully before unmolding maintains the cake’s structure. Powdered sugar dusted on top or almond and raisin decorations enhance the presentation. It is a dense, flavorful cake suitable for celebrations.
This cake is customarily part of Greek New Year festivities and involves a lucky charm or coin symbolizing fortune for the coming year. The cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to four days, preserving moisture. Designs or simple icings can personalize the cake further. It’s typically sliced into portions and passed around to share the luck.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (480 g) flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 ¾ cup (350 g) sugar
- 1 cup (227 g) butter softened
- 1 ½ cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 egg
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at at about 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
- Line the base of a 9-10 inch springform pan with wax paper and grease the sides.(You can use an even wider pan for a thinner cake-it will take less time to bake)
- In a bowl mix the flour and baking powder and set aside.
- In a bowl, cream the sugar and butter.
- Add the orange juice, vanilla and orange zest- mix with a mixer about 2 minutes.
- Whip the eggs in a small bowl and add to the butter mixture and mix for another 2 minutes.
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix for 2 minutes at low speed-do not over mix. If you are adding the coin in the batter, add it now.
- Pour batter (it will be thick) in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 45-60 minutes. Check with a thin sharp knife in the center, it should come out clean. If not bake for additional time.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Release the pan and turn cake upside-down on another plate. If putting the coin in now, wrap in foil and push it through the cake. Turn cake back on top and sprinkle with powdered sugar, you can also even out the top of the cake slicing with a long knife.
Notes
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days to keep it fresh.
- Add a coin or lucky charm to the batter before baking to continue tradition.
- Decorate with almonds, raisins, or icing made from powdered sugar and water for presentation.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 290 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 11/16 of thecake | |
| Calories | 290kcal | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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