Discover a delicious Vasilopita bread recipe, a traditional Greek sweet bread with a hidden coin for good luck, perfect for New Year's celebrations!

Vasilopita Bread Recipe

Baking a Vasilopita bread always feels like a warm hug from tradition, especially since it’s a staple in my family for New Year’s celebrations. 

This Greek sweet bread, often baked with a hidden coin for good luck, fills the house with the cozy scent of orange zest and vanilla. 

I remember my grandmother carefully wrapping a coin in foil, her hands dusted with flour, telling stories of her childhood in Greece while we shaped the dough together. 

It’s not just about the bread—it’s the memories and the anticipation of who’ll find the coin that make it special. 

This recipe is my take on that classic, blending tradition with a few tweaks to make it approachable for home bakers. 

Whether you’re celebrating New Year’s or just craving a soft, citrusy loaf, this Vasilopita will bring a little joy to your table.

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Why You’ll Love This Vasilopita Bread Recipe

This Vasilopita bread is a delightful mix of fluffy texture, subtle sweetness, and vibrant citrus notes that make every bite feel festive. 

Its golden crust and tender crumb pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, and the hidden coin adds a fun tradition that sparks excitement at any gathering. 

Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy as breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

  • Rich in Tradition: Rooted in Greek culture, it’s a meaningful way to celebrate New Year’s or special occasions.
  • Flavorful and Aromatic: The blend of orange juice and zest gives it a bright, refreshing taste.
  • Easy to Customize: Add nuts, spices, or even a glaze to make it your own.
  • Fun for All Ages: The hidden coin tradition makes slicing the bread a game everyone loves.

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Ingredients For Vasilopita Bread

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious Vasilopita bread at home. Most are pantry staples, and the rest are easy to find.

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy tools to make this bread, just a few essentials you likely already have. Gather these before starting for a smooth baking experience.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Vasilopita is straightforward, but attention to detail ensures a perfect loaf. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a beautiful bread to share.

1. Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment

Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools to keep things organized. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 

Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides with butter to prevent sticking. 

Melt the butter and let it cool slightly, and zest and juice one orange to get your orange zest and juice ready.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. 

Use a whisk or an electric mixer to blend them until smooth, about 2 minutes. 

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. 

Then, pour in the orange juice, milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest. 

Mix until everything is well combined, creating a fragrant, liquid base for your dough.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. 

Sifting helps aerate the flour and removes any lumps, ensuring a smooth batter. 

If you don’t have a sifter, you can whisk the dry ingredients together to combine them evenly.

4. Make the Batter

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, about one cup at a time, stirring gently with a spatula or mixing on low speed with your electric mixer. 

Mix just until no flour streaks remain—overmixing can make the bread dense. 

The batter should be thick but smooth, with a slightly glossy look from the butter and eggs.

5. Add the Coin

Now for the fun part! Take a clean coin, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, and gently fold it into the batter. 

Make sure it’s fully submerged and not too close to the edges, so it stays hidden during baking. 

This is the traditional good-luck charm, so place it with care.

6. Bake the Vasilopita

Pour the batter into the prepared 9-inch round cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. 

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 

The top should be golden brown, and the bread will have a slight dome. 

If it’s browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.

7. Cool and Decorate

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. 

Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar using a sifter for a snowy, festive look. 

You can also stencil a number or design with the powdered sugar for extra flair.

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Tips for Success

Getting this Vasilopita just right is all about a few simple tricks I’ve learned over the years. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a fluffy, flavorful bread.

  • Use room-temperature eggs and milk to help the batter emulsify smoothly.
  • Don’t skip sifting the flour—it makes the bread lighter.
  • Check your baking powder for freshness; old powder can lead to a dense loaf.
  • Wrap the coin tightly in aluminum foil to keep it food-safe and easy to spot when slicing.
  • Let the bread cool fully before dusting with powdered sugar to avoid it melting into the surface.

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Serving Suggestions

This Vasilopita bread is perfect for sharing during New Year’s or any special occasion, with its soft texture and citrusy warmth. 

It’s versatile enough to fit into various settings, from casual brunches to festive gatherings.

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Variations to Try

You can tweak this Vasilopita to suit your tastes or make it unique. Here are some ideas to experiment with while keeping the traditional spirit intact.

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Storage and Reheating

Store your Vasilopita properly to keep it fresh and delicious. Here’s how to handle leftovers.

  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate for up to a week in an airtight container.
  • Freeze slices in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

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Nutritional Facts

This Vasilopita is a treat, but it’s good to know what’s in it. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per slice (based on 12 servings):

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Sugar: 17g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 150mg

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Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

The ingredients in this Vasilopita don’t just taste good—they offer some nutritional perks too. From the protein in eggs to the vitamin C in oranges, this bread has a few health benefits to balance its indulgence.

  • Eggs: Packed with high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline for brain health.
  • Oranges: Provide vitamin C, which supports immunity and skin health.
  • Milk: A good source of calcium and vitamin D for strong bones. Passes
  • Flour: Often fortified with iron and B vitamins, supporting energy and blood health.
  • Butter: Contains fat-soluble vitamins like A and D, beneficial in moderation.

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FAQs

1. What is Vasilopita bread?

Vasilopita is a traditional Greek sweet bread baked for New Year’s, often with a coin hidden inside for good luck. It’s flavored with orange zest and vanilla, symbolizing hope and prosperity.

2. Can I make Vasilopita without a coin?

Yes, you can skip the coin if you’re not following the tradition. The bread will still be delicious and perfect for any occasion.

3. Can I use gluten-free flour?

You can substitute gluten-free flour in a 1:1 ratio, but the texture may be slightly different. Ensure your blend includes xanthan gum for structure.

4. How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is done. The top should be golden and spring back when lightly pressed.

5. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, Vasilopita can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to keep it fresh.

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Final Thoughts

Baking Vasilopita bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a way to connect with tradition and create memories around the table. 

The soft, citrusy loaf with its hidden coin brings a sense of joy and anticipation, whether you’re celebrating New Year’s or simply enjoying a cozy moment with loved ones. 

I love how the orange zest fills the kitchen with warmth, and the first slice always feels like a little gift. 

This recipe is simple enough for beginners but special enough to impress, and I hope it becomes a part of your celebrations too.

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