Vasilopita (Orange Sweet Bread)

Jun 08, 2023June 8, 20230 8
Vasilopita (Orange Sweet Bread) recipe for New Year’s Day celebrations
in Bread

Prep

20 min

Cook

70 min

Ready In

2 hr 30 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
3 ( .25 ounce ) packages rapid-rise yeast
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 orange , zested
7 cups bread flour , or more as needed
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 coins wrapped in aluminum foil
1 egg white
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
472
Sugar
57g
Fat
2g
Vasilopita, a Greek orange sweet bread, is traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day to bring good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. The bread has a sweet, airy texture and is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. The addition of orange juice and cinnamon gives it a unique flavor that is sure to impress your friends and family. The coins hidden in the dough represent good luck for those who find them, making this bread a fun and interactive part of any New Year’s Day celebration.

Instructions

1.Mix the orange juice, water, and cinnamon in a bowl and set aside.
2.In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1/4 cup of sugar in 1 cup of lukewarm water. Let sit for 10 minutes.
3.Add the remaining sugar, eggs, orange zest, and half of the flour to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
4.Add the remaining flour, salt, and baking powder to the bowl, mixing until a dough forms.
5.Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
6.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
7.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch round cake pan.
8.Punch the dough down and divide it into two equal parts. Knead each part into a round shape and place them side by side in the prepared pan.
9.Place the two coins in the dough, if desired. Brush the top of the dough with egg white and sprinkle with sugar.
10.Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool before slicing and serving.

PROS

Vasilopita is a traditional Greek bread enjoyed on New Year’s Day celebrations.

It has a delicious sweet flavor with hints of orange and cinnamon.

The two coins hidden in the dough represent good luck for the two people who find them in their slice.

CONS

This bread is high in sugar and may not be suitable for those with diabetes or other health conditions that restrict sugar intake.

The recipe requires some kneading and rising time, so it may require some patience.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Orange zest, an ingredient in this bread, is a good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system.
Cinnamon has antioxidant properties and has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels.

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