Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake)
Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) is a easy Greek recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Dimitris Michailidis on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $61.93 total, $7.74 per serving
Ingredients
- 75 g Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces for even melting)
- 75 g Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 0.5 tsp Vanilla (Vanillin) (ground vanilla powder or vanilla extract)
- 0.5 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
- 250 g Granulated Sugar (room temperature)
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 220 g Greek Yogurt (2% Fat) (strained through cheesecloth for thicker texture)
- 50 ml Fresh Orange Juice (no added sugar)
- 330 g All‑Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 20 g Baking Powder (approximately 2 tsp)
- 100 g Chocolate Chips (or chopped chocolate truffles) (semi‑sweet or dark, roughly chopped if using truffles)
- 30 g Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
Melt the Butter
Place the butter pieces in a microwave‑safe bowl and melt in 20‑second bursts, stirring between bursts, until fully liquid.
Time: PT30S
Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, olive oil, vanilla, salt, sugar and the two eggs to the bowl. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Yogurt
Stir in the strained Greek yogurt until fully blended.
Time: PT1M
Add Orange Juice
Pour the fresh orange juice and mix just until incorporated.
Time: PT30S
Fold in Dry Ingredients
Sift the all‑purpose flour together with the baking powder. Gently fold the dry mixture into the batter until no flour streaks remain.
Time: PT2M
Add Chocolate Pieces
Fold the chocolate chips (or chopped truffles) evenly throughout the batter.
Time: PT1M
Prepare the Pan
Grease a 24‑26 cm round baking pan with a thin layer of butter or oil. Ensure the entire surface and sides are coated.
Time: PT1M
Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Time: PT1M
Bake the Vasilopita
Place the pan in a pre‑heated oven (175 °C) and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 175°C
Cool Completely
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes, then turn out onto a plate to cool fully.
Time: PT15M
Finish and Serve
Sift powdered sugar over the cooled cake for a decorative finish. Slice and serve.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 55 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Plant‑based butter
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Sunflower oil
- Instead of Vanilla (Vanillin): Pure vanilla extract
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, Caster sugar
- Instead of Eggs: Applesauce (1/4 cup per egg, for vegans)
- Instead of Greek Yogurt (2% Fat): Greek yogurt 0% fat, Plain yogurt
- Instead of Fresh Orange Juice: Mandarin juice, Citrus zest + water
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: Bread flour, Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Baking Powder: Baking soda + cream of tartar
- Instead of Chocolate Chips (or chopped chocolate truffles): Chopped nuts, Dried fruit
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Confectioners’ sugar
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula
- Greased Baking Pan (24‑26 cm)
- Oven
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melt the butter without burning.
- Whisk wet ingredients until smooth and slightly pale.
- Bake at the correct temperature (175 °C) for the full 45 minutes.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Strain the yogurt through cheesecloth for a creamier texture.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best aroma.
- Add a pinch of orange zest to the batter for extra citrus flavor.
Troubleshooting
Cake is dense or heavy.
Do not over‑mix after adding flour; fold gently. Ensure the baking powder is fresh.
Top cracks or over‑browns.
Cover the cake loosely with foil after 30 minutes of baking.
Cake sticks to the pan.
Make sure the pan is well‑greased and allow the cake to cool slightly before turning it out.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for 1 day, covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the cake a day ahead; keep it wrapped and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
- You can freeze the baked, un‑dusted cake and add the sugar after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) in Greek New Year celebrations?
Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) is traditionally baked to celebrate Saint Basil's Day on January 1st, marking the start of the Greek New Year. A coin is hidden inside the cake, and the person who finds it is said to have good luck for the coming year. The ritual reflects ancient Greek customs of offering cakes to deities for blessings.
What are the traditional regional variations of Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) across different regions of Greece?
In Crete, Vasilopita often includes orange zest and a drizzle of honey, while in the mainland, it may feature a thicker layer of powdered sugar and sometimes almonds. Some islands add rose water or mastiha for a distinct aroma. These regional twists keep the core butter‑and‑sugar base but showcase local flavors.
How is Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) authentically served in Greek households during the New Year?
After baking, the cake is lightly dusted with powdered sugar and allowed to cool before being sliced. It is typically served with a cup of strong Greek coffee or tea, and the slice containing the hidden coin is given to the lucky finder. The remaining pieces are shared among family and guests as a symbol of unity.
What occasions or celebrations is Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) traditionally associated with in Greek culture?
Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) is most closely linked to New Year's Day and the feast of Saint Basil, but it is also served at birthday parties, weddings, and other family gatherings throughout the year. Its presence signals good fortune and communal celebration in Greek culture.
What makes Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) special or unique within Greek dessert cuisine?
The cake combines a buttery, tender crumb with fragrant orange and vanilla, setting it apart from denser Greek pastries like baklava. Its simplicity—requiring only a bowl, a whisk, and basic pantry items—makes it accessible while still honoring a deep-rooted holiday tradition.
How has Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) evolved over time in Greek culinary tradition?
Originally, Vasilopita was a dense, yeasted bread flavored with honey and nuts. Modern home cooks, especially on platforms like YouTube, have streamlined the recipe into a quick, cake‑like version that uses baking powder, olive oil, and chocolate chips, reflecting contemporary tastes while preserving the ceremonial coin tradition.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) at home?
Avoid over‑mixing the batter, which can develop gluten and make the cake tough. Also, be careful not to over‑bake; a dry interior means the cake has been in the oven too long. Using melted butter instead of softened butter can affect the crumb texture.
How do I know when Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) is done baking and what texture should I expect?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, and the top is lightly golden. The texture should be moist, tender, and slightly crumbly, similar to a classic butter cake, not dense or dry.
What does the YouTube channel Dimitris Michailidis specialize in, and what is its cooking philosophy for Greek recipes like Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake)?
The YouTube channel Dimitris Michailidis specializes in authentic Greek home cooking, focusing on simple, ingredient‑driven recipes that require minimal equipment. Its philosophy emphasizes preserving traditional flavors while adapting techniques for modern, busy kitchens, as demonstrated in the Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) video.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
