Vasilopita (Greek New Year's Cake)
Vasilopita is a traditional Greek New Year's Cake that symbolizes good luck and prosperity. This delicious dessert, characterized by its rich, citrus-infused flavor and moist texture, is made special with a hidden coin for good fortune. This vasilopita recipe is easy to make and serves as a delicious centerpiece for family gatherings on New Year's Day.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup canola oil
- ¾ cup whole milk room temperature
- ¾ cup orange juice no pulp
- ¼ cup brandy or cognac
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Zest from 1 orange and 1 lemon
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for topping
- 1 larger coin wrapped in aluminum foil we use a quarter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer, or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, until pale and creamy, about 1 minute.4 eggs, 2 cups sugar
- Mix in the oil, milk, orange juice, brandy, vanilla extract, and zests.1 cup canola oil, ¾ cup whole milk, ¾ cup orange juice, ¼ cup brandy or cognac, 1 tbsp vanilla extract, Zest from 1 orange and 1 lemon
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until well combined.3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 3 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely (make sure the cake is cooling rightside up and not upside down).
- When the cake is cool, use a sharp knife to cut a slit (somewhere near the edge of the cake) and insert the coil. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar. You can create a stencil design (like the year) if desired, by cutting out numbers from paper, placing them on the cake, and then removing them after dusting the sugar.Powdered sugar for topping, 1 larger coin wrapped in aluminum foil
Notes
Room Temperature Storage: Once the vasilopita cake has cooled completely, place it in an airtight container. If you don’t have a container large enough, cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring that the entire cake is shielded from air exposure. Store the cake in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming soggy. Vasilopita can be kept at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Whole Cake: If you have leftover whole vasilopita, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn and taste transfer from other frozen items.
- Freezing Slices: For convenience, you can also freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake or slices in the refrigerator overnight. Let them come to room temperature before serving to bring back the cake's natural flavor and texture.
- Duration: You can freeze vasilopita for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 467kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 6gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 328mgPotassium: 116mgFiber: 1gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 135IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 93mgIron: 2mg
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