Join our newsletter and get 15% off your first order.
Blogs

Gaby's Bakery - Vasilopita - Greek New Year Cake

January 06, 2024

Gaby's Bakery - Vasilopita - Greek New Year Cake

This is one of those simple looking cakes that's absolutely moreish so takes a little self-discipline once you start eating. Traditionally made for the Greek Orthodox New Year on January 14th following the Julian calendar. It's baked with a coin to represent good fortune and prosperity for the year. On New Years Eve it's sliced for the family, and whoever gets the coin is considered particularly blessed. Coins can be anything from a penny to a sovereign.

Texture and taste fall into that family of light sponges similar to the Italian Pandoro, the vanilla here giving it the edge in Michael's half-Greek opinion. 

Vasilopita – Greek New Year Cake

Ingredients:
400g sugar
360g plain flour
240ml warm milk
230g butter (room temp)
6 eggs
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

For the topping:
25g flaked almonds
30g sugar

Method:
Preheat oven to 160c (fan), grease and line a 23cm springform cake tin.

In a large bowl beat the butter and sugar until lighter in colour. Add the flour and mix until you have a breadcrumb like consistency. Add the eggs one at a time beating between each addition.

Add the baking powder to the warm milk, mix and then add to the mixture, beat until all is combined. Add the bicarb of soda to the lemon juice, mix then fold this along with the vanilla paste into the mixture.

Pour this into the prepared tin, add your clean coin wrapped in foil and place in the oven.

After about 20 mins sprinkle the almonds and sugar over the top of the cake and then bake for a further 45 mins, until firm to the touch and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Take out the oven and allow to cool fully.

The lucky person who gets the slice with the coin in will be blessed with good luck in the new year!

Enjoy

 Gaby Van Clarke



Also in Blogs

Autumn/Winter 2026 Hair Trends with Principal Stylist Lamphane
Autumn/Winter 2026 Hair Trends with Principal Stylist Lamphane

September 18, 2026

From the return of ’90s layers and statement fringes to softer bobs and high-gloss styling, Principal Stylist Lamphane shares the cuts, finishes and celebrity inspiration she predicts will define AW26.

Continue Reading

Gaby's Bakery - Japanese Milk Bread
Gaby's Bakery - Japanese Milk Bread

September 18, 2026

This Japanese Milk Bread was meant for last week’s blog but my household ate half of it before I managed to get the photos. Two versions, rolls and a loaf that makes for amazing toast too.

Continue Reading

Autumn Hair Colour Trends: Q&A with Master Colourist, Berni
Autumn Hair Colour Trends: Q&A with Master Colourist, Berni

September 11, 2026

A new season is the perfect time for a colour rethink. We caught up with our Colour Masterist, Berni, to talk about restoring and refreshing post-summer hair, the shades and techniques defining the season ahead, and her expert advice for keeping your colour looking vibrant, glossy and beautifully healthy.

Continue Reading

Subscribe