Best 2 Greek Vasilopita Recipes

Vasilopita, the traditional Greek New Year's cake, is a sweet and delectable bread that holds a special place in Greek culture. This iconic cake is more than just a dessert; it's a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and a sweet start to the new year. Vasilopita is typically prepared on New Year's Eve and enjoyed throughout the first few days of the new year. The cake is characterized by its rich, buttery flavor, soft and fluffy texture, and the hidden coin or charm baked inside, which symbolizes good luck to the finder. This article presents a collection of Vasilopita recipes, each with its own unique twist on the classic cake. From the traditional Vasilopita recipe to variations with different flavors, fillings, and decorations, this article offers a diverse selection of recipes to suit every taste and preference. Whether you're a seasoned baker looking to perfect your Vasilopita skills or a novice cook eager to try your hand at this beloved Greek tradition, these recipes will guide you through the process of creating a delicious and auspicious Vasilopita to celebrate the new year.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

VASILOPITA - GREEK SAINT BASIL'S NEW YEAR'S CAKE

Vasilopita - Greek Saint Basil's New Year's Cake image

A very traditional Greek Cake that celebrates the life of Saint Basil. Usually served at New Year, it is quick and delicious at any time.

Provided by Rita1652

Categories Dessert

Time 55m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup butter, plus
1 tablespoon butter, for greasing cake pan
2 cups white sugar, plus
2 tablespoons white sugar, for sprinkling
3 cups flour
6 eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup warm milk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup blanched slivered almond

Steps:

Clean! Silver or gold coin wrapped in aluminum foil (a quarter works well).
Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 10 inch round cake pan with 1 Tbs butter.
In a medium bowl, cream the cup of butter and 2 cups of sugar together until light in color. Stir in the flour and mix until the batter resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the eggs one at a time, blending each one in well.
In a small bowl combine the baking powder and milk, add to the cake batter and mix well. Finally combine the lemon juice and baking soda in a small bowl, add to the cake batter and mix well. Pour the cake batter in to the greased cake pan, insert the foil wrapped coin, and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the cake from the oven, sprinkle the nuts and 2 Tbs sugar over the cake, then return the cake to the oven and bake for a further 20-30 minutes until the cake springs to the touch. Allow to cool on a rack for 10 minutes then invert the pan on to a cake plate.
Ideally the cake should be served warm; each person gets a slice of the cake starting with the most senior member. Members of the Greek Orthodox Church believe that whoever gets the coin is blessed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 555.6, Fat 25.6, SaturatedFat 14.1, Cholesterol 182.2, Sodium 330.2, Carbohydrate 73.6, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 43, Protein 9.4

GREEK VASILOPITA

Greek Vasilopita image

This is our family's New Year's cake. A coin is baked in the cake, and the person who finds the coin in their slice is has good luck for the year; they also get a prize.

Provided by Diane

Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Greek

Time 1h30m

Yield 14

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 ¾ cups white sugar
5 eggs
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ cup blanched slivered almonds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Steps:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a large bowl, blend together the butter or margarine and the sugar. Separate 3 of the eggs; add the yolks and the 2 remaining whole eggs to the butter mixture. Stir in the vanilla and water.
In another bowl, sift together the baking powder and flour. Add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
Whip 3 egg whites until they are foamy. Add 1 tablespoon sugar. Continue to whip the whites until they are stiff, but not dry. Fold whipped whites into batter.
Pour the batter into a greased 10 x 4 inch tube pan. Wrap a large coin in foil, and place the coin in the batter. Press the coin down; it should be completely hidden. Sprinkle the nuts and seeds on top of the batter.
Bake the cake for about 70 minutes, or until done. Cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 368.8 calories, Carbohydrate 46.8 g, Cholesterol 101.3 mg, Fat 17.8 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.2 g, Sodium 154.4 mg, Sugar 25.4 g

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your vasilopita.
Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing will make the cake tough.
Bake the cake in a preheated oven. This will help to ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.
Serve the cake at room temperature. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion:

Vasilopita is a delicious and festive cake that is perfect for celebrating the new year. With its rich flavor and symbolic meaning, it is a beloved tradition in many Greek households. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. With a little effort, you can create a beautiful and delicious vasilopita that will be enjoyed by all.