Vasilopita (Greek New Year’s Cake)

Vasilopita Dessert | Greek New Year’s Cake

Vasilopita (Greek New Year's Cake) - photo By Thanasis Bounas
Vasilopita (Greek New Year's Cake) - photo By Thanasis Bounas

A kiss, a candle lit in the dark

Vasilopita Dessert (Greek New Year’s Cake)

Vasilopita dessert is a fragrant celebration of citrus and butter, where golden crumb hides the promise of luck for the year ahead. Each slice is both sweet indulgence and sacred ritual, uniting family and friends around the festive table.

Ingredients

  • 350 g butter
  • 260 g powdered sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 100 g milk
  • 25 g cognac
  • Zest of one orange
  • 1 vanilla
  • 1 baking powder
  • 500 g self-rising flour (farina)
  • 1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter with the powdered sugar until creamy.
  2. Lightly beat the eggs and add them to the mixture, followed by the milk, cognac, and orange zest.
  3. Gradually add the self-rising flour and chopped walnuts. Mix everything well until combined.
  4. Grease a baking pan with butter and lightly dust it with flour, shaking the pan to ensure the flour coats all surfaces.
  5. Pour the mixture into the pan, spreading it gently toward the edges to form a slight indentation in the center. This helps the cake bake evenly without rising too much in the middle.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 35-45 minutes, depending on your oven. To check if it’s done, insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
  7. Let the cake cool completely before decorating it as desired. Use your creativity to make it festive and beautiful!

A Sweet Tradition for the New Year

This Vasilopita is a wonderful way to celebrate the New Year with your loved ones. Its delightful aroma, rich flavor, and touch of walnuts make it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Add a coin inside for good luck, and may the year ahead be filled with joy and prosperity!

A Festive Citrus Elixir

First, this dessert is made by blending flour, eggs, butter, and sugar with the zest of oranges, sometimes enhanced with a touch of brandy, then baked into a moist, fragrant cake.

What Makes It Irresistible

This dessert balances soft, fluffy texture with the brightness of citrus. Its hidden coin tradition adds an element of joy and anticipation, making it more than a sweet—it’s a moment of celebration.

Serving Suggestions

Serve vasilopita dessert sliced at midnight on New Year’s Eve or during the first breakfast of the year. Dust with powdered sugar and pair with coffee or tea for a heartwarming tradition.

Discover the Sweet Stories Behind Every Dessert!
Curious about the history and charm of your favorite desserts? Click here to explore the detailed description we’ve created on DeliciousPath, where you’ll uncover fascinating facts and traditions behind every recipe. Let the journey into the world of sweets begin!

Vasilopita (Greek New Year's Cake) - photo By Thanasis Bounas
Vasilopita (Greek New Year’s Cake) – Photo By Thanasis Bounas

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