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Greek Vasilopita New Year Cake

Greek Vasilopita New Year Cake

A soft, buttery Greek New Year’s cake flavored with orange zest and a hint of brandy. This Vasilopita is a classic holiday tradition that hides a lucky coin inside—perfect for celebrating and sharing with family.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American with Greek influence
Calories: 330
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons brandy or cognac optional
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • 1 clean coin wrapped tightly in foil

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy and pale. This should take about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
  1. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
Step 4: Add Flavors
  1. Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, Greek yogurt, and brandy. Mix just until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 6: Hide the Coin
  1. Pour half the batter into the pan, place the wrapped coin somewhere near the edge, then add the rest of the batter on top. Smooth the surface.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
  1. Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar. For a festive touch, use a stencil to sprinkle the new year’s number (like “2025”) on top.
Step 9: Serve
  1. Cut into slices and see who finds the lucky coin. Serve with coffee or tea.

Notes

  • Make sure to wrap the coin tightly in foil before adding it to the cake.
  • Fresh orange juice and zest make a big difference in flavor—skip bottled juice.
  • This cake keeps well at room temperature for up to four days.
  • You can freeze leftover slices in airtight containers for up to two months.
  • For a lighter flavor, skip the brandy and use extra orange juice.