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Holidays & Special Occasions

Vasilopita

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

  • 300 g (1 1/3 cups) butter, softened
  • 300 g (1 1/2 cups) sugar
  • 5 (5) eggs
  • 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 15 g (1 tbsp) baking powder
  • 200 ml (3/4 cup) orange juice
  • 1 tbsp (1 tbsp) orange zest
  • 1 (1) clean coin, wrapped in foil
  • 50 g (1/3 cup) sliced almonds, for topping

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and butter a round cake tin.
  2. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time.
  4. Sift together flour and baking powder, then fold into the batter alternately with orange juice and zest.
  5. Fold the foil-wrapped coin into the batter, ensuring guests are told a coin is hidden.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top; scatter sliced almonds over the surface.
  7. Bake for 45–50 minutes until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
  8. Cool in the tin for 15 minutes before turning out to cool completely.
  9. Traditionally cut at midnight on January 1st, with the first slice reserved for Saint Basil, the second for the house, and subsequent slices for family members by age.

Introduction: A sweet New Year's cake named for Saint Basil, vasilopita is cut at midnight on January 1st with a hidden coin baked inside; whoever finds it in their slice is said to have good luck for the year ahead.

Cultural Background: A sweet New Year's cake named for Saint Basil, vasilopita is cut at midnight on January 1st with a hidden coin baked inside; whoever finds it in their slice is said to have good luck for the year ahead.

Tips: Always tell guests in advance that a coin is hidden inside, for safety. The current year is often carved or piped onto the top in icing.

Variations: Some regions make a bread-like vasilopita (vasilopsomo) instead of a cake.

Storage: Keeps at room temperature, covered, for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Not necessary; served at room temperature.

Nutrition: Approx. 320 kcal, 5 g protein, 14 g fat, 44 g carbohydrate per slice.

FAQs:

Q: What happens if someone gets the coin?

A: It's considered a sign of good luck for that person for the coming year.

Q: Can I omit the coin for safety with children?

A: Yes, many families place it in a small marked area of the cake or skip it and simply ritualize the cutting order.

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