Greek Vasilopita Cake (Orange New Year's Cake)
Serves 16
Also known as "Saint Basil's Good Luck Cake," this treat is traditionally served on New Year's Day with a coin hidden inside. Whoever is served the slice with the coin is thought to receive good luck for the coming year.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest and juice from 2 large oranges (1 cup juice)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour 9-inch cake pan. Line bottom of pan with a circle of parchment paper.
- With an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale yellow, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, making sure that each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add brandy, vanilla, and orange zest. Stir. Do not worry if batter curdles.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate adding to the batter a bit of flour mixture followed by a little orange juice. Stir gently in between additions and end with the flour mix. Do not over-mix.
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Drop in a clean coin and smooth the top (see Cook's Tip). Bake 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a rack.
- Carefully invert cake and place it right-side up on a serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Cook Tips
You may also make a cut in the bottom of the cake and insert a coin after it is baked rather than dropping it in beforehand.
Nutrition
Amount Per Serving (based on 16 servings)- Calories: 310
- Fat: 0.0 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0.0 g
- Cholesterol: 95.0 mg
- Sodium: 240.0 mg
- Carbohydrates: 47.0 g
- Fiber: 1.0 g
- Added Sugars: 26.0 g
- Sugar: 0.0 g
- Protein: 5.0 g