Vasilopita Cake (Greek New Year’s Cake)

Vasilopita Cake: A Sweet Greek Tradition for New Year’s

Vasilopita is more than just a cake—it’s a symbol of Greek tradition and celebration, marking the arrival of the New Year with joy and hope. Deeply rooted in Greek culture, this cake is customarily prepared for New Year’s Day, and what makes it even more special is the hidden coin baked inside. Whoever finds the coin in their slice is believed to have good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.

This particular version of Vasilopita stands out for its delightful flavors and festive appeal. With the fragrant zest and juice of fresh oranges and the playful addition of chocolate sprinkles, the cake is both aromatic and visually appealing. The finishing touch? A glossy layer of smooth white chocolate that elevates the dessert into something truly celebratory.

Whether you’re sharing it with family or friends, cutting the Vasilopita is an event in itself. It brings people together in anticipation and excitement as each person looks for the lucky coin in their slice. Beyond its cultural significance, Vasilopita is a moist and flavorful dessert that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea on a chilly New Year’s morning.

This recipe blends tradition with a modern twist, creating a dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With its perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and festive appearance, this Vasilopita cake will undoubtedly become a centerpiece of your holiday table. Celebrate the New Year the Greek way—with delicious food, cherished traditions, and a touch of good luck!

Vasilopita Cake (Greek New Year’s Cake)

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: DessertCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

pieces

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

491

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

20

minutes

Celebrate Greek tradition this New Year with Vasilopita Cake! This moist, orange-infused cake with chocolate sprinkles and a white chocolate topping brings joy and good fortune to your celebrations.

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Ingredients

Metric US

• For the Cake

• 600 g 21.2 oz Self Rising Flour

• 1 tsp 1 tsp Baking Powder

• 280 g 10 oz Milk

• Juice of 1 Orange

• Zest of 1 Orange

• 250 g 8.8 oz Margarine

• 6 6 Eggs

• 400 g 14 oz Sugar

• 2 2 Vanillins

• 150 g 5.3 oz Chocolate Sprinkles

• For the Coating

• 300 g 10.6 oz White Chocolate

• 20 g 0.7 oz Seed Oil

Recipe directions

• For the Cake
• In a bowl, add the eggs and sugar and whisk well.
• Add the vanilla extract, orange zest, orange juice, and milk, then mix until combined.
• Pour in the melted margarine and continue mixing.
• Combine the baking powder with the flour and sift them into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
• Add the chocolate sprinkles and gently fold them into the batter.
• Line a 30 cm (12-inch) round baking pan with parchment paper and butter the sides.
• Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to push the batter slightly towards the edges to prevent it from doming during baking.
• Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) and bake on the conventional setting for 60–70 minutes.
• Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.
• For the Coating
• Break the white chocolate into small pieces and place them in a bowl with the vegetable oil.
• Cover the bowl with cling film and melt the chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler (bain-marie).
• Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled cake.

Recipe video

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