Best 2 Greek Vasilopita Recipes

Greek Vasilopita, also known as the New Year's Vasilopita or Basil the Great's Pie, is a traditional Greek cake baked to celebrate the Feast of Saint Basil on January 1st. It's a delicious and sweet cake that holds a significant place in Greek culture, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and the coming of the new year. In many Greek households, the Vasilopita is more than just a dessert; it's a ritual filled with tradition, where a coin is hidden inside the cake, bringing blessings and good fortune to whoever finds it. With its rich history and symbolic nature, the Greek Vasilopita has become an integral part of the Greek New Year celebration.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

VASILOPITA - GREEK SAINT BASIL'S NEW YEAR'S CAKE

Vasilopita - Greek Saint Basil's New Year's Cake image

A very traditional Greek Cake that celebrates the life of Saint Basil. Usually served at New Year, it is quick and delicious at any time.

Provided by Rita1652

Categories Dessert

Time 55m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup butter, plus
1 tablespoon butter, for greasing cake pan
2 cups white sugar, plus
2 tablespoons white sugar, for sprinkling
3 cups flour
6 eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup warm milk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup blanched slivered almond

Steps:

Clean! Silver or gold coin wrapped in aluminum foil (a quarter works well).
Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 10 inch round cake pan with 1 Tbs butter.
In a medium bowl, cream the cup of butter and 2 cups of sugar together until light in color. Stir in the flour and mix until the batter resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the eggs one at a time, blending each one in well.
In a small bowl combine the baking powder and milk, add to the cake batter and mix well. Finally combine the lemon juice and baking soda in a small bowl, add to the cake batter and mix well. Pour the cake batter in to the greased cake pan, insert the foil wrapped coin, and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the cake from the oven, sprinkle the nuts and 2 Tbs sugar over the cake, then return the cake to the oven and bake for a further 20-30 minutes until the cake springs to the touch. Allow to cool on a rack for 10 minutes then invert the pan on to a cake plate.
Ideally the cake should be served warm; each person gets a slice of the cake starting with the most senior member. Members of the Greek Orthodox Church believe that whoever gets the coin is blessed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 555.6, Fat 25.6, SaturatedFat 14.1, Cholesterol 182.2, Sodium 330.2, Carbohydrate 73.6, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 43, Protein 9.4

GREEK VASILOPITA

Greek Vasilopita image

This is our family's New Year's cake. A coin is baked in the cake, and the person who finds the coin in their slice is has good luck for the year; they also get a prize.

Provided by Diane

Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Greek

Time 1h30m

Yield 14

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 ¾ cups white sugar
5 eggs
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ cup blanched slivered almonds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Steps:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a large bowl, blend together the butter or margarine and the sugar. Separate 3 of the eggs; add the yolks and the 2 remaining whole eggs to the butter mixture. Stir in the vanilla and water.
In another bowl, sift together the baking powder and flour. Add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
Whip 3 egg whites until they are foamy. Add 1 tablespoon sugar. Continue to whip the whites until they are stiff, but not dry. Fold whipped whites into batter.
Pour the batter into a greased 10 x 4 inch tube pan. Wrap a large coin in foil, and place the coin in the batter. Press the coin down; it should be completely hidden. Sprinkle the nuts and seeds on top of the batter.
Bake the cake for about 70 minutes, or until done. Cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 368.8 calories, Carbohydrate 46.8 g, Cholesterol 101.3 mg, Fat 17.8 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.2 g, Sodium 154.4 mg, Sugar 25.4 g

Tips:

1. Temperature: - For a fluffy and even crumb, make sure all your ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature before you start. - Take your butter and eggs out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking. 2. Preparing Pan: - Lightly grease and flour your baking pan to prevent the vasilopita from sticking. - Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easy release. 3. Measuring Flour: - Use a kitchen scale to measure your flour accurately. - Scooping flour directly from the bag may result in too much flour being added, leading to a dry and dense cake. 4. Mixing Batter: - Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. - Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. - Combine the dry ingredients separately in a bowl. - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. - Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. 5. Baking: - Preheat your oven to the correct temperature before placing the vasilopita in the oven. - Bake the cake for the specified time, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting or slicing.

Conclusion:

Vasilopita is a delicious and symbolic Greek New Year's cake enjoyed by people worldwide. With its unique flavor and rich cultural significance, it's a treat that brings joy and tradition to any celebration. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, these detailed tips and recipes will guide you in creating a perfect vasilopita that will impress your loved ones and bring good fortune in the coming year. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on this culinary journey to experience the magic of Vasilopita!