Vasilopita Bread Recipe (Greek New Year’s Bread)

Vasilopita is a sweet, aromatic Greek bread baked to celebrate the New Year. Traditionally made with a hidden coin inside for good luck, this festive bread is soft, fluffy, and gently flavored with orange and mahleb. A beautiful centerpiece for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp mahleb (optional, traditional Greek spice)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 coin, wrapped in foil (optional tradition)
• For topping:
• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
• Sesame seeds or slivered almonds
• Optional: powdered sugar or icing for decoration

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix yeast with warm milk and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, and mahleb. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth (10 minutes by hand or 5 in a stand mixer).
3. Cover the dough and let rise in a warm place for about 1½ hours or until doubled.
4. Punch down dough and shape into a round loaf. If using a coin, insert it into the bottom of the dough. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
5. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush loaf with egg wash, sprinkle sesame seeds or almonds, and bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
7. Let cool before slicing. Traditionally served on New Year’s Day — whoever gets the coin is said to have good luck all year!