YT Recipe

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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. Incorporate Yogurt

    Stir in the strained Greek yogurt until fully blended.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Add Orange Juice

    Pour the fresh orange juice and mix just until incorporated.

    Time: PT30S

  5. 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

  6. Add Chocolate Pieces

    Fold the chocolate chips (or chopped truffles) evenly throughout the batter.

    Time: PT1M

  7. 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

  8. Transfer Batter to Pan

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

    Time: PT1M

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

Last updated: March 20, 2026

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Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake)

Recipe by Dimitris Michailidis

A super‑easy, buttery Greek Vasilopita that’s perfect for New Year celebrations or any occasion. No mixer needed – just a bowl, a whisk and a few simple ingredients. The cake is fragrant with orange and vanilla, studded with chocolate pieces, and finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

EasyGreekServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
45m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$61.93
Total cost
$7.74
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • • Butter and oil are hot after microwaving – handle with care.
  • • Use oven mitts when removing the pan from the oven.
  • • Do not over‑mix the batter to avoid a dense cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) in Greek New Year celebrations?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) across different regions of Greece?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) authentically served in Greek households during the New Year?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) traditionally associated with in Greek culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) special or unique within Greek dessert cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How has Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) evolved over time in Greek culinary tradition?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) at home?

A

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.

technical
Q

How do I know when Easy Vasilopita (Greek New Year Cake) is done baking and what texture should I expect?

A

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.

technical
Q

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)?

A

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.

channel
More like this:Greek RecipesDessert RecipesMore by Dimitris Michailidis

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