Description
A traditional Greek New Year’s bread, symbolizing prosperity and good luck for the coming year.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp mahlepi (optional)
- 1/4 tsp mastic (optional)
- 1 egg yolk (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 coin (wrapped in foil)
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk and water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and spices.
- Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and orange zest to the yeast mixture.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
- Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for 1-2 hours until doubled.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Insert the coin.
- Place on a baking sheet. Let rise for 30 minutes.
- Brush with egg yolk and sprinkle sesame seeds.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool before slicing.
Notes
- The coin brings luck to whoever finds it in their slice.
- Mahlepi and mastic add traditional flavor but can be omitted.
- Serve with honey or jam.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: greek new years bread, vasilopita recipe, greek sweet bread