Imagine a cake that's not just a dessert, but a magical New Year's tradition packed with lemony goodness and the rich, smooth essence of olive oil. The Vasilopita isn't just a cake—it's a slice of Greek cultural heritage that brings luck, joy, and incredible flavor to your holiday table. With its delicate lemon zest, tender crumb, and the exciting possibility of finding a hidden coin that promises good fortune, this cake is about to become the star of your New Year's celebration!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with olive oil and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and olive oil until well combined and slightly creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time to the sugar and olive oil mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous batter.
- Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and freshly grated lemon zest, mixing until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a smooth cake batter. Be careful not to overmix.
- Optional: If following traditional Vasilopita custom, insert a clean coin wrapped in foil into the batter before baking for good luck.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar, creating a traditional decorative finish.
- If following Greek tradition, cut the cake on New Year's Day and serve, with the person who finds the coin believed to have good luck for the year.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil for the most authentic flavor and smooth texture.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a more consistent batter.
- When adding the flour, fold gently to avoid developing gluten, which can make the cake tough.
- If using the traditional coin, wrap it securely in aluminum foil to prevent any direct contact with the batter.
- Check the cake's doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent it from absorbing the sugar.
- For an extra festive touch, consider decorating the top with a design or the upcoming year's number in powdered sugar.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
