Vasilopita (Greek New Year's Cake)
A recipe for Vasilopita (Greek New Year's Cake)! This light and airy cake is infused with orange and has a hidden coin to celebrate the New Year.
Servings 1 Cake
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs separated
- 2 3/4 cups (344 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter softened at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pan
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) brandy optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚F (180˚C). Grease a 9 inch (23 centimeter) springform pan or cake pan with butter.
- Separate the four eggs into whites and yolks.
- Beat the egg whites in a stand mixer with a whisk attachment until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar and orange zest. Beat with the butter until light and creamy.
- Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, until incorporated.
- Slowly beat in the orange juice, followed by the brandy and vanilla extract.
- Fold in 1/3 of the beaten egg whites, followed by 1/3 of the flour mixture.
- Continue with another 1/3 egg whites, 1/3 flour, then remaining egg whites and remaining flour just until no streaks remain. Take care to not deflate the egg whites.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Do not open the oven door until the cake is nearly done.
- Allow to cool to room temperature before decorating and dusting with a layer of powdered sugar.