New Year’s Blessing Vasilopita – Greek Sweet Celebration Bread

New Year’s Blessing Vasilopita – Greek Sweet Celebration Bread

Vasilopita is a traditional Greek New Year’s bread, lightly sweet, scented with citrus, and rich with butter and eggs. Baked with a hidden coin for good luck, it’s sliced at midnight to bless the year ahead. This version captures the authentic festive flavor with a soft crumb, golden crust, and a hint of warm spice.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) bread flour
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 2¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground mahleb (optional, traditional spice)
• 3 large eggs (room temp)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds or slivered almonds (for topping)
• Foil-wrapped coin (optional, for tradition)

Directions

1. in a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tsp sugar. Let stand 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, salt, and mahleb (if using).
3. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, orange zest, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1–1½ hours.
6. Punch down the dough and shape into a round loaf. If desired, wrap a coin in foil and press it into the dough from underneath.
7. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush loaf with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or almonds.
9. Bake 40–45 minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temp ~190°F / 88°C).
10. Cool slightly before slicing. Tradition says the person who finds the coin will have good fortune!