Imagine a dessert that's not just a treat, but a magical tradition passed down through generations - welcome to the world of Vasilopita, the legendary Greek New Year's Cake! This isn't just any ordinary cake; it's a delectable symbol of hope, prosperity, and the exciting anticipation of what the new year might bring. With a hidden coin promising good fortune to the lucky finder, this cake transforms a simple dessert into an extraordinary cultural experience that will tantalize your taste buds and spark your imagination.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 90 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure no lumps remain.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Optional: If following tradition, insert a clean coin wrapped in aluminum foil into the batter before baking. This is a symbolic Greek New Year's tradition.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly across the top of the cake batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar, creating a traditional white surface.
- Cut and serve, traditionally on New Year's Day, with the person who finds the hidden coin believed to have good luck for the coming year.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Coin Tradition: If including the traditional hidden coin, thoroughly clean it and wrap it securely in aluminum foil to prevent any direct contact with the batter.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Almond Placement: Sprinkle almonds evenly to ensure a beautiful, uniform top layer.
- Toothpick Test: Always check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful white finish.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 125mg
