In the heart of Greek tradition, Vasilopita, also known as Saint Basil's Pie, holds a special place as the centerpiece of New Year's celebrations. This delectable cake, imbued with symbolism and good fortune, is not just a dessert; it's an edible embodiment of hope, prosperity, and unity. Each Vasilopita conceals a hidden coin, a symbol of good luck for the finder, making every slice a potential bearer of fortune. Our curated collection of recipes offers diverse interpretations of this classic delight, ranging from the traditional to the contemporary. From the classic Vasilopita recipe, featuring buttery layers of phyllo dough encasing a sweet custard filling, to the innovative orange-scented Vasilopita, bursting with citrusy flavors, our selection caters to every palate. Discover the secrets of crafting a perfect Vasilopita, from selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the art of layering the phyllo dough. Learn how to achieve that perfect golden crust and explore variations such as the chocolate Vasilopita, a decadent treat for chocolate lovers, and the vegan Vasilopita, a delightful option for those with dietary restrictions. As you embark on your Vasilopita-making journey, may your kitchen be filled with the sweet aromas of tradition and your heart warmed by the joy of sharing this special cake with loved ones.
Let's cook with our recipes!
VASILOPITA (GREEK NEW YEAR'S BREAD)
This vasilopita recipe has been passed down to one of our readers Karen Stoeckle from her Greek grand parents! It is Greek New Year's bread made of layers of cinnamon-scented dough with Romano cheese and toasted sesame seeds. Although there is no rising time involved , budget about 2 1/2 hours of time for the bread to be ready.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Bread
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Add the sugar, baking powder, olive oil, 1 cup of the grated cheese, and water to the large bowl of a stand mixer attached with a whisk. Whisk on low speed to combine.
- Remove the whisk and add the hook attachment to the stand mixer.
- Over medium-low speed, add the flour, one cup at a time. Knead for about 5 minutes or until you have a workable dough (it will be somewhat wet still).
- Cover the dough with a towel and set aside for now.
- Make the cinnamon mixture. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the cinnamon, sugar, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg.
- Prepare and lightly grease the bottom of a 10-inch round springform pan.
- Divide the dough into 11 equal size portions and form them into balls (you may need to flour your hands or a clean surface to help you shape the dough without sticking too much).
- On a clean lightly floured surface, working with one ball of dough at a time, use a rolling pin and roll out the dough to a thin 10-inch round. Place the first round of dough on the bottom of the prepared pan. Brush with the melted butter. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon mixture and follow with a generous sprinkle of grated romano cheese.
- Repeat with two more layers of dough. If you're adding the coin for good luck, wash it well and dry it then wrap it in a piece of foil and place it on top of layer of dough you just laid down.
- Continue shaping the dough balls into 10-inch rounds and layering the dough rounds on top of each other in the pan, making sure to brush each layer with the melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon mixture and grated cheese until the very last layer.
- Lay the last layer of dough on the very top. Combine the egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of water (or milk) and whisk. Brush the last layer of dough with a little melted butter and the egg wash. Finish with a sprinkle of the sesame seeds.
- Heat the the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bake on the middle rack for 1 hour and 45 minutes, until the vasilopita is a rich golden-brown. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before moving it from the baking pan to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 334.2 kcal, Carbohydrate 73.9 g, Protein 5.8 g, Fat 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Cholesterol 9.8 mg, Sodium 236.9 mg, Fiber 4.9 g, Sugar 30.3 g, UnsaturatedFat 1.8 g, ServingSize 1 serving
VASELOPITA
Traditional Greek New Year's Day recipe. Served as a coffee cake for breakfast. Each person in the family gets a slice starting with the youngest and progressing to the oldest. The person who receives the slice with the quarter in it will have good luck for the whole year!
Provided by Paul Menikos
Categories Greek Recipes
Time 1h10m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease a round 10-inch cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, cream butter and 2 cups sugar until light; add flour and stir until mixture is mealy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg.
- Stir baking powder into milk then stir into flour mixture. Mix soda and lemon juice; stir into batter. Pour batter into the greased pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with nuts and 1 tablespoon white sugar, then return to oven for 20 to 30 minutes longer, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Remove cake from the oven and gently cut a small hole in the middle. Place a quarter in the hole; cover the hole with powdered sugar. Cool cake on a rack for about 10 minutes. Invert cake onto a serving dish. Sift powdered over the top and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 543.5 calories, Carbohydrate 74.1 g, Cholesterol 162.4 mg, Fat 24.1 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 9.4 g, SaturatedFat 13.1 g, Sodium 345.3 mg, Sugar 44.4 g
VASILOPITA - GREEK SAINT BASIL'S NEW YEAR'S CAKE
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
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
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will give your Vasilopita the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature: This will help them to mix together more easily and create a smooth batter.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- 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.
- Be creative with your decorations: You can use anything from powdered sugar to sprinkles to candied fruit to decorate your Vasilopita.
Conclusion:
Vasilopita is a delicious and festive cake that is perfect for celebrating the New Year. With its rich flavor and beautiful decorations, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a special dessert to make, give Vasilopita a try. You won't be disappointed!
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