Vasilopitta is a cherished Greek tradition for New Year’s Day, symbolizing luck and prosperity. This sweet, aromatic bread is richly flavored with anise, cinnamon, and fresh orange zest, creating a warm, comforting scent that fills the kitchen. The dough is soft and slightly chewy, topped with a glossy egg wash and often decorated with the letters of Saint Basil. Hidden inside is a clean coin; the person who finds it in their slice is said to have good fortune for the coming year. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this bread brings family together as you slice it with ceremony. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it an essential part of the Greek New Year celebration.
New Year’s Day Vasilopitta Bread
Description
Vasilopitta is a cherished Greek tradition for New Year's Day, symbolizing luck and prosperity. This sweet, aromatic bread is richly flavored with anise, cinnamon, and fresh orange zest, creating a warm, comforting scent that fills the kitchen. The dough is soft and slightly chewy, topped with a glossy egg wash and often decorated with the letters of Saint Basil. Hidden inside is a clean coin; the person who finds it in their slice is said to have good fortune for the coming year. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this bread brings family together as you slice it with ceremony. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it an essential part of the Greek New Year celebration.Directions
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In a small bowl, dissolve dry yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, eggs, sugar, salt, cinnamon, anise seeds, orange zest, orange juice, and ouzo (if using).
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Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients. Gradually stir in flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
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Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Punch down dough and turn onto a floured surface. Flatten into a round shape.
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Wrap the clean coin in foil and place it in the center of the dough. Fold the dough over the coin to enclose it completely, sealing the edges.
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Transfer the dough to a greased round baking pan. Decorate the top with walnut halves and cut the letters for Saint Basil (ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΣ or similar) into the surface using a sharp knife.
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Cover and let rise again for 45 minutes until puffy.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the bread with beaten egg for a golden finish.
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Bake for 45-50 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 150mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 15g
- Protein 8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
