Description
Vasilopita Cake is a traditional Greek New Year’s cake that combines simple pantry staples with fresh orange zest and juice to create a moist, tender cake bursting with citrus flavor and subtle vanilla notes. This festive cake, often baked with a hidden coin inside for good luck, features a golden crust and a delicate dusting of icing sugar, making it perfect for holiday celebrations, brunches, or casual coffee gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for variation)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for vegan version)
- 3 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan adaptation)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk alternative)
For Decoration and Tradition
- Icing sugar for dusting
- Almonds (optional, for garnish)
- 1 coin or charm wrapped in parchment paper
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent for a fluffy texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is essential for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavors: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the fresh orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with bright and aromatic flavors.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined to keep the cake light.
- Insert the Coin and Bake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Carefully place the wrapped coin or charm in the center, then cover with the remaining batter. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Dust the top with icing sugar and optionally decorate with almonds for a traditional presentation.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter, eggs, and milk to ensure smooth and even mixing.
- Always wrap the coin or charm properly in parchment paper or foil for safety and hygiene.
- Do not overmix the batter; stir until ingredients are just combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean without wet batter.
- Let the cake cool completely before dusting with icing sugar to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Vasilopita, Greek New Year Cake, Citrus Cake, Traditional Greek Dessert, Holiday Cake
