Vaselopita (Greek New Years Cake Recipe – Greek Special

Enjoy a delightful Vasilopita recipe, a Greek New Year’s cake fragrant with orange aromas and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze! Vasilopita is a traditional Greek cake served at midnight on New Year’s Eve to honor Saint Basil. After baking, a coin is traditionally placed inside through the base. Whoever discovers the coin in their slice is believed to be blessed with luck throughout the year!

  • Prep Time15 min
  • Cook Time50 min
  • Total Time1 hr 5 min

Vaselopita - Greek New Years Cake Ingredients :

  • 6 eggs
  • 250g unsalted butter
  • 125g margarine
  • 400-450g sugar
  • 1 cup condensed milk (for enhanced flavor; can substitute with regular milk)
  • 60ml brandy or cognac (Greek Metaxa recommended)
  • 500g self-raising flour
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (liquid or powder)
  • Zest of one orange or lemon
  • A pinch of salt
  • Icing sugar for decoration
  • A small coin wrapped in aluminum foil

How to Make Vaselopita - Greek New Years Cake:

1

Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Set the yolks aside and place the 6 egg whites in a large bowl with a pinch of salt.

2

Using a mixer on high speed, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form (when you lift the whisk, the peaks will hold). Set the meringue aside.

3

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter (left out of the refrigerator for a few hours) and the sugar.

4

Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5

Now, incorporate the condensed milk, brandy, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.

6

Gradually add the self-raising flour to the mixture.

7

Once all ingredients are combined into a smooth batter, gently fold in the prepared meringue. Avoid using the mixer to preserve the meringue’s texture; use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, folding gently to incorporate air.

8

Prepare a 32 cm cake pan by greasing it with butter and dusting with flour. Pour the batter into the cake pan and place the small coin wrapped in aluminum foil into the batter.

9

Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10

Allow the cake to cool completely, then dust with icing sugar before serving.