Imagine a slice of cake that promises more than just delectable sweetness - a dessert steeped in centuries-old tradition, mystery, and the potential for extraordinary luck! Vasilopita, the legendary Greek New Year's cake, is not just a culinary delight but a thrilling ritual that could change your entire year. With a hidden coin nestled within its tender crumb, this cake transforms an ordinary dessert into an exciting game of fortune, making every bite a suspenseful adventure waiting to unfold.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 whole coin (for tradition)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan, preferably 9 inches in diameter, to ensure the Vasilopita can be easily removed after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a light cake.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the cake. Make sure everything is well incorporated.
- Before pouring the batter into the prepared cake pan, hide the whole coin in the batter. This is a traditional element of Vasilopita, symbolizing good luck for the year ahead.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Ensure the coin is well-distributed within the batter.
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake in the last few minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the Vasilopita has cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for decoration, if desired. This adds a festive touch to the cake.
- Traditionally, the Vasilopita is sliced at midnight on New Year's Eve, and the person who finds the coin in their slice is said to have good luck for the year. Serve the cake at room temperature and enjoy with family and friends.
Tips
- • Ensure your butter is genuinely softened, not melted, for the perfect cake texture • Mix ingredients gently to maintain a light, airy consistency • Use a clean coin and wrap it in parchment paper before hiding in the batter for food safety • Let the cake cool completely before slicing to maintain structural integrity • For an authentic touch, dust with powdered sugar just before serving • Make sure to slice the cake carefully when revealing the lucky coin • Store at room temperature and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 90mg
