Mediterranean🍰 Sweets & drinks

Greek Vasilopita Cake for New Years

Name: Greek Vasilopita Cake for New Years
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; ¾ lb unsalted butter; 2 cups confectioner's sugar; 5 eggs; ½ cup plain yogurt; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 orange zest; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; 1 a coin (for decoration and tradition); ~1 sheet aluminum foil; ~1 sheet parchment paper; 1 tbsp ground mahlepi (optional); ¼ tsp ground mastiha (optional); ~¾ cups raisins (optional); ~½ cup sweetened dried cranberries (optional); ~½ cup candied citrus peel (optional); ~2-3 tbsp confectioner's sugar (for dusting)

⏱ 75 min

A traditional Greek cake served on New Year's Eve or Day, with a lucky coin hidden inside. Light, fluffy, and infused with orange zest and vanilla, this no-yeast version is simple to prepare and perfect for ringing in the New Year.

Adapted from a video by Dimitra's Dishes

Greek Vasilopita Cake for New Years (No Yeast)

Watch on YouTube

Ingredients

all-purpose flour3 cups
unsalted butter¾ lb
confectioner's sugar2 cups
eggs5
plain yogurt½ cup
pure vanilla extract2 tsp
orange zest2
baking powder2 tsp
baking soda

Steps

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1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2
Grease a 10-inch round baking pan with butter, line the bottom with parchment paper, and lightly grease the paper.
3
Wrap the coin in aluminum foil to prevent any harm to whoever finds it.
4
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and orange zest. If using mahlepi and mastiha, add them to the dry ingredients. Mix well and set aside.
5
Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add softened butter and confectioner's sugar. Begin on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, then increase to high speed and beat for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
6
Reduce mixer speed to low and add the 5 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
7
Add the vanilla extract and half a cup of yogurt (sour cream or milk are acceptable substitutes), and mix until combined. The mixture may look slightly separated, but it will come together once the flour is added.
8
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. Stop mixing once everything is combined to avoid overdeveloping the flour. If adding raisins, cranberries, or candied citrus peel, fold them in gently with a spatula.
9
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Place the wrapped coin into the batter, then pour in the remaining batter and spread evenly with a spatula.
10
Bake on the center rack for 45 to 55 minutes until golden all around. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
11
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to release it, then invert onto a cake plate and remove the parchment paper. Cool completely.
12
Dust the top generously with confectioner's sugar. You can use number stencils or doilies to create decorative patterns, or simply cover the entire top with powdered sugar. Add festive decorations as desired.
13
Slice and serve. Remember to warn diners to watch for the lucky coin—whoever finds it is considered fortunate for the coming year.

Greek Vasilopita Cake for New Years

Ingredients

Steps

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