Best 3 Vasilopita Orange Sweet Bread Recipes

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In the realm of sweet bread, the Vasilopita, a traditional Greek treat, reigns supreme. This delectable confection, often prepared to celebrate New Year's Day and other special occasions, holds a significant place in Greek culture. The article offers a comprehensive guide to crafting this beloved dessert, featuring two captivating recipes: a classic Vasilopita and an enticing orange-scented variation.

Embark on a culinary journey as we unveil the secrets behind the perfect Vasilopita. Discover the art of creating a light and fluffy dough, embracing the delicate balance of flavors with a hint of citrus and a touch of sweetness. Learn how to incorporate a hidden coin or charm within the bread, a cherished tradition believed to bring good fortune to the recipient.

Furthermore, the article presents an exciting twist on the classic recipe with the Orange Sweet Bread variation. This delightful creation infuses the Vasilopita with the vibrant zest of oranges, resulting in a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite. The addition of orange juice and zest elevates the bread to a new level of flavor, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess.

Whether you're seeking the traditional Vasilopita or yearning for a refreshing twist with the Orange Sweet Bread, this article equips you with all the necessary knowledge and guidance to bake these exceptional treats. Embrace the joy of Greek baking and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

VASILOPITA (NEW YEAR BREAD)



Vasilopita (New Year Bread) image

Greek New Year Bread is traditionally cut at midnight on New Year's Eve. After baking, a coin is inserted through a slit in the base. The person who finds the coin will have luck in the New Year. Long ago the coin used to be a gold one, then later a silver coin was used. These could be incorporated into the dough before baking. Nowadays because of the nickel content of coins it is undesirable to bake a coin in the cake. From: "The Complete Middle East Cookbook" by Tess Mallos ISBN: 1 86302 069 1

Provided by basia1

Categories     Yeast Breads

Time 14m

Yield 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 package active dry yeast
3/4 cup milk, lukewarm
3 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange rind
3/4 cup caster sugar
4 1/2 cups plain flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground masticha
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 egg, for glazing
blanched split almonds

Steps:

  • Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup of the milk.
  • Add remainder of milk, eggs, orange rind and sugar.
  • Sift 3 cups flour, salt and spices into a warm bowl and make a wellin the centre.
  • Pour in yeast mixture and stir to blend in flour, gradually adding warm melted butter.
  • Mix dough with hands until it comes away from sides.
  • Turn on to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding remaining flour as required.
  • Knead for 10 minutes.
  • Place ball of dough in a clean bowl brushed with melted butter.
  • Turn dough over to coat top with butter and cover bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap.
  • Leave to prove (rise) in a warm place until doubled in bulk.
  • Punch down and turn on to lightly floured surface.
  • Knead lightly and shape into a round loaf.
  • Place on a large greased baking sheet or in a greased 10 inch deep cake tin.
  • Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  • Glaze with well-beaten egg and arrange blanched almonds in numbers to denote the New Year, pressing in lightly.
  • Bake in a moderately hot oven for 45 minutes until golden brown and cooked when tested.
  • If bread browns too quickly place a piece of greased brown paper on top.
  • Cool on a wire rack.

VASILOPITA (ORANGE SWEET BREAD)



Vasilopita (Orange Sweet Bread) image

This is a delicious orange sweet bread recipe that has been passed down in my family for several generations. It is a Greek tradition to serve this bread on New Year's morning. A coin is placed in the bread while baking, and when served, the person who finds the coin is said to have good luck for the year. It still makes a wonderful breakfast bread to be served anytime! The aroma that fills your home while baking this recipe is heavenly! It is an all-day process to make this bread, but it is worth it! For Greeks, this is a bread version of Vasilopita, not the dessert cake variety.

Provided by Kathryn Dietz

Categories     Breakfast Bread

Time 5h46m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 14

½ cup orange juice
½ cup water
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
3 (.25 ounce) packages rapid-rise yeast
2 cups white sugar
1 cup unsalted margarine (such as Fleischmann's®), melted
4 eggs
1 orange, zested
7 cups bread flour, or more as needed
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 coins wrapped in aluminum foil
1 egg white
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Mix orange juice, water, and cinnamon in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave until the mixture registers 110 degrees F (43 degrees C) on an instant-read thermometer, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Stir yeast into the orange juice mixture. Let stand until yeast is creamy and frothy, about 45 minutes.
  • Combine sugar and margarine in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat until creamy. Add eggs; beat on high speed for 30 seconds. Mix in yeast mixture and orange zest until well combined.
  • Sift flour, salt, and baking powder together in a bowl. Add gradually to the mixture in the stand mixer, mixing with a bread hook until a soft, sticky dough forms, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer dough to a large glass bowl. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 2 to 4 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 2 round cake pans.
  • Divide dough into 2 equal pieces. Put 1 wrapped coin in each piece; knead for 2 to 3 minutes and shape into a ball. Place 1 ball of dough in each cake pan. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise until puffy, 2 to 4 hours more.
  • Whisk egg white and vanilla together in a small bowl. Brush over the top of dough.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a knife inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs attached, 30 to 55 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 302.6 calories, Carbohydrate 36.1 g, Cholesterol 62 mg, Fat 16.6 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 3.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 694.6 mg, Sugar 34.4 g

VASILOPITA (ORANGE SWEET BREAD)



Vasilopita (Orange Sweet Bread) image

This is a delicious orange sweet bread recipe that has been passed down in my family for several generations. It is a Greek tradition to serve this bread on New Year's morning. A coin is placed in the bread while baking, and when served, the person who finds the coin is said to have good luck for the year. It still makes a wonderful breakfast bread to be served anytime! The aroma that fills your home while baking this recipe is heavenly! It is an all-day process to make this bread, but it is worth it! For Greeks, this is a bread version of Vasilopita, not the dessert cake variety.

Provided by Kathryn Dietz

Categories     Breakfast and Brunch     Breakfast Bread Recipes

Time 5h46m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 14

½ cup orange juice
½ cup water
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
3 (.25 ounce) packages rapid-rise yeast
2 cups white sugar
1 cup unsalted margarine (such as Fleischmann's®), melted
4 eggs
1 orange, zested
7 cups bread flour, or more as needed
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 coins wrapped in aluminum foil
1 egg white
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Mix orange juice, water, and cinnamon in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave until the mixture registers 110 degrees F (43 degrees C) on an instant-read thermometer, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Stir yeast into the orange juice mixture. Let stand until yeast is creamy and frothy, about 45 minutes.
  • Combine sugar and margarine in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat until creamy. Add eggs; beat on high speed for 30 seconds. Mix in yeast mixture and orange zest until well combined.
  • Sift flour, salt, and baking powder together in a bowl. Add gradually to the mixture in the stand mixer, mixing with a bread hook until a soft, sticky dough forms, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer dough to a large glass bowl. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 2 to 4 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 2 round cake pans.
  • Divide dough into 2 equal pieces. Put 1 wrapped coin in each piece; knead for 2 to 3 minutes and shape into a ball. Place 1 ball of dough in each cake pan. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise until puffy, 2 to 4 hours more.
  • Whisk egg white and vanilla together in a small bowl. Brush over the top of dough.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a knife inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs attached, 30 to 55 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 302.6 calories, Carbohydrate 36.1 g, Cholesterol 62 mg, Fat 16.6 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 3.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 694.6 mg, Sugar 34.4 g

Tips:

  • Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting, as this will help the batter to come together more easily.
  • Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough bread.
  • Be sure to grease and flour the baking pan before adding the batter, to prevent the bread from sticking.
  • Bake the bread until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.
  • Vasilopita is best served warm, but can also be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Vasilopita is a delicious and festive bread that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich orange flavor and fluffy texture, this bread is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Whether you are looking for a traditional Greek bread or a unique and flavorful sweet bread, Vasilopita is a great choice.

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