Vasilopita Cake for New Year’s Eve

Celebrate the New Year with this traditional Greek Vasilopita Cake!

One of my favorite traditions is baking a vasilopita cake for New Year’s Eve. Soft, moist, and subtly sweet, this cake is infused with orange zest and a hint of vanilla for a delightful flavor. A lucky coin is hidden inside, bringing good fortune to the one who finds it. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this festive cake is a beautiful way to honor Greek traditions and welcome the year ahead. Whether it’s for your holiday table or a meaningful gift, Vasilopita is a sweet start to any New Year.

This version of vasilopita is much easier to make than the one made with yeast. That one is more similar to tsoureki and takes a lot more time and effort to make. This is light, moist, and simple to make with all the flavors of a delicious pound cake. I love the orange zest in the background, and it’s really easy to make it your own with your favorite flavors and add-ins. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why you’ll make this every year!

Soft, tender, sweet

Moist cake crumb

Warm vanilla and

Citrusy orange with

Powdery sugar dusting.

What are the Dry Ingredients?

All-purpose flour -I haven’t tried another flour, like cake or gluten-free, but let me know if you do and how it works out.

Salt -enhances the flavors of the cake and balances the sweetness perfectly.

Baking powder -works together with the baking soda to rise and brown the cake.

Zest of 2 oranges -adds sweet, bright, citrusy orange flavor to the cake. Leave it out if you aren’t a fan of citrus.

Baking soda -complements the baking powder for the perfect cake rise and texture.

What are the wet ingredients?

Unsalted butter -leave it on the counter to get to room temperature so the sugar creams into the butter evenly.

Confectioners’ sugar -sweetens the cake without the granulated sugar texture and crust.

Pure Vanilla extract -I always use the best quality vanilla when there are just a few ingredients in a cake because you can really tell the difference in flavor.

Eggs -at room temperature to keep from seizing the butter.

Plain Yogurt -any yogurt will work… vanilla, plain, Greek, etc. If you don’t have any yogurt, sour cream is a good substitute. If you don’t have either of those, use the thickest milk you have, like half & half or whole.

Can I add other things to my cake?

Yes! For more Greek tsoureki flavor, add mahlepi or mastiha. You could also add your favorite dried fruit, like raisins or sweetened dried cranberries, or your favorite nuts, like walnuts or pistachios. I’ve even added candied citrus peel, and it’s a perfect pairing with the already hint of orange flavor in the cake. If you love chocolate, try some chocolate chips or chunks.

How do I prepare the coin?

Wrap the coin in aluminum foil and set it aside.

What do I preheat the oven to?

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

What’s the best way to combine the dry ingredients?

Whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, orange zest, and baking soda in a large bowl. If using mahlepi and mastiha, add them to the dry ingredients and mix well.

How do you cream butter and sugar?

In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat the butter and confectioner’s sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes.

When do I add the eggs and vanilla?

Reduce the mixer speed to medium and add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.

How do I add the yogurt?

Lower the mixer speed and mix in the yogurt until just combined.

How do I add the dry ingredients?

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. If adding raisins, cranberries, or candied citrus peel, fold them in gently with a spatula.

How do I add the coin?

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Place the wrapped coin into the batter, then pour the remaining batter over it, spreading evenly with a spatula.

How long do I bake the cake?

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

How can I decorate my cake?

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Vasilopita usually has the upcoming year’s date on it. So, you can do this by using a stencil on the cake before dusting the powdered sugar, writing the numbers with icing, or creating the date in almonds or sesame seeds. Make it your own, and let me know how you added the year to your cake!

How do I serve my vasilopita cake?

Vasilopita is usually served on New Year’s Eve. I serve this with ice cream and hot Greek coffee because it’s a delicious trio. It’s the perfect dessert to bring in the new year. Add your family’s favorite fillings, and remember to watch for the coin. Not only does it bring good luck, but I also make a little goodie bag for whoever finds it. If one of the kids gets the coin, they’re always very excited for both. Kali Orexi!!

Do you have more vasilopita?

Vasilopita: New Year’s Sweet Bread

Almond Vasilopita Cake: Greek Lucky New Year’s Cake

Cherry & Chocolate Vasilopita (Greek New Year’s Cake)

Rose & Pistachio Vasilopita (Greek New Year’s Cake)

Vasilopita Spiced Cake: Greek New Year’s Eve Cake

Chocolate Swirl Vasilopita Brioche Wreath

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