The aroma of warm, spiced cake, a hidden coin promising good fortune… that’s the magic of Vasilopita, the Greek New Year’s cake! This isn't just a dessert; it's a tradition, a symbol of hope and prosperity shared with loved ones. This recipe makes a truly delicious and authentic Vasilopita, perfect for your New Year's celebrations or any time you crave a taste of Greece. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your homemade cooking journey, this easy recipe will guide you every step of the way.
Ingredients: You'll need these simple ingredients for this delicious dish
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup milk
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 coin (clean!)
Instructions: Let's bake some happiness!
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your Vasilopita will release easily.
Cream together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender cake. A stand mixer makes this easier, but a hand mixer works perfectly well too.
Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, yogurt, and milk. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and orange zest.
Gentle folding: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Fold in the nuts (if using).
Hide the coin: Gently press a clean coin into the batter in one of the cake pans. Make sure it's well-embedded so it doesn't fall out during baking.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the best Vasilopita:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer to test for doneness. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
Variations: Making it your own
- Citrus zest: Experiment with different citrus zests like lemon or lime for a unique flavor twist.
- Spices: Adjust the spices to your preference. A dash of cardamom or allspice adds another layer of warmth.
- Nuts: Use different nuts like almonds or pistachios, or a combination of nuts.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. Consult a nutrition calculator for a more precise analysis.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This delicious Greek Vasilopita is more than just a cake; it's a symbol of good fortune and shared joy. Enjoy baking and sharing this special treat with your loved ones! This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, healthy meals and is guaranteed to be a delicious addition to your best recipes collection. Happy baking!