Vasilopita (New Year Bread)

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 14
Authentic Vasilopita Recipe for Your New Year's Celebration
in Dessert

Prep

20 min

Cook

50 min

Ready In

70 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 package active dry yeast
3/4 cup milk , lukewarm
3 eggs , beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange rind
3/4 cup caster sugar
4 1/2 cups plain flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground masticha
1/2 cup butter , melted
1 egg , for glazing
blanched split almonds

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
12
Calories
315
Sugar
19g
Fat
9g
Vasilopita is a traditional Greek bread made to celebrate the start of the new year. It is usually served on January 1st and is thought to bring good luck to those who find the lucky coin baked inside. The bread is sweetened with sugar and flavored with orange zest, cinnamon, and masticha powder. It is often decorated with almonds and powdered sugar. In Greece, it is a popular dessert served with coffee or tea.

Instructions

1.In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk until frothy.
2.In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, orange rind, and caster sugar.
3.In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, cinnamon, and masticha powder.
4.Add the yeast mixture to the egg mixture and mix well.
5.Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6.Slowly add the melted butter, stirring until fully incorporated. The dough will be slightly sticky.
7.Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for an hour or until it doubles in size.
8.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
9.Punch down the dough and knead for 5 minutes.
10.Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in the prepared pan.
11.Brush the top of the loaf with beaten egg and decorate with split almonds.
12.Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown on top.

PROS

Vasilopita is a traditional bread made to celebrate the new year.
It is sweet, aromatic, and soft on the inside with a slightly crunchy crust.
This recipe is easy to follow and yields a delicious bread that will impress your friends and family.

CONS

The bread is high in sugar and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It also requires some time and effort to prepare.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Vasilopita is not particularly healthy, it contains some beneficial ingredients. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Masticha has been linked to improving digestion and reducing symptoms of acid reflux. Oranges are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.

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