Vasilopita (New Year Bread) Recipe

Name: Vasilopita (New Year Bread)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
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

Servings: persons

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

1
Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup of the milk.
2
Add remainder of milk, eggs, orange rind and sugar.
3
Sift 3 cups flour, salt and spices into a warm bowl and make a wellin the centre.
4
Pour in yeast mixture and stir to blend in flour, gradually adding warm melted butter.
5
Mix dough with hands until it comes away from sides.
6
Turn on to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding remaining flour as required.
7
Knead for 10 minutes.
8
Place ball of dough in a clean bowl brushed with melted butter.
9
Turn dough over to coat top with butter and cover bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap.
10
Leave to prove (rise) in a warm place until doubled in bulk.
11
Punch down and turn on to lightly floured surface.
12
Knead lightly and shape into a round loaf.
13
Place on a large greased baking sheet or in a greased 10 inch deep cake tin.
14
Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
15
Glaze with well-beaten egg and arrange blanched almonds in numbers to denote the New Year, pressing in lightly.
16
Bake in a moderately hot oven for 45 minutes until golden brown and cooked when tested.
17
If bread browns too quickly place a piece of greased brown paper on top.
18
Cool on a wire rack.

1013

kcal

Calories

Fat

144

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 package active dry yeast, 3/4 cup milk, lukewarm, 3 eggs, beaten, 1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange rind, and more.

Yes, Vasilopita (New Year Bread) falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Vasilopita (New Year Bread)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions