Vasilopita ~ St Basils Cake
New Year Cake
Vasilopita is eaten on the feast day of St Basil (Ayios Vasilis) which falls on the 1 January – New Years Day.
In the morning the cake is cut and the one who finds the coin will be lucky all year.
The following recipe is one of our favorites and perfect with a coffee or tea or a glass of wine.
Ingredients for Vasilopita
- 6 cups of plain flour
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons brandy
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- Juice and grated rind of an orange or lemon
- Icing sugar to decorate
- Coin covered in foil
How to make Vasilopita
- Separate eggs and whisk egg whites till stiff
- Beat egg yolks then cream the sugar and butter together and beat in the egg yolks
- Mix brandy with orange / lemon juice and grated rind and slowly add the flour and egg whites and lastly the covered coin
- Place in a greased, lined baking tin and bake at Gas 5 / 190 / 375 for 1 1/2 hours
- Leave to cool and sprinkle with icing sugar when serving (you can trace the year number in the icing sugar)
Traditional cakes are enjoyed throughout the festive season. Favorites such as kourabiedes (Κουραμπιέδες) are similar to shortbread. These small almond cakes are dusted in icing sugar and melt in the mouth, delicious with coffee or tea.
Other favorites include Melomakarona (Μελομακάρονα), small cinnamon and orange flavored cakes are drenched in a honey syrup and very yummy. Finikia (Φοινίκια) walnut cakes are also delicious and easy to make.
These cookies are available at bakeries and supermarkets all over Cyprus, especially at this time of the year.
Happy New Year
Christmas in Cyprus
Greek Desserts
Cyprus Food
Mediterranean Diet
