Vasilopita is one of the most characteristic customs of the Greek tradition for the New Year. Its warm, sweet aroma fills our homes with warmth, while cutting it on New Year’s Day is a moment full of anticipation and joy. In this article we will discover How to Make Vasilopita its history, its symbolic meaning. We will also see how you can upgrade your experience with the products of Olivenflower.gr.
The History of Vasilopita

Its history is closely linked to the feast of Saint Basil, one of the most beloved saints of Orthodoxy. According to tradition, Saint Basil, in order to return money and valuables to the poor, hid them inside loaves of bread. Thus was born the idea of the hidden coin in the Vasilopita, which to this day is considered a symbol of luck and prosperity.
Vasilopita differs from region to region of Greece. In some regions it is shaped like a sweet cake, while in others it resembles bread or a phyllo pie. Regardless of its form, its presence on the New Year’s table is essential.
Why is Vasilopita Important?
It’s not just a dessert – it’s a link to family, tradition and our roots. The process of cutting the pie, the anticipation for the penny and the sense of unity it creates, make it special.
If you wish to give your basil pie a unique touch, you can incorporate pure products such as organic olive oil, aromatic spices and dried fruits from Olivenflower.gr.
How to make Vasilopita Recipe

Materials:
- 250 gr. butter (or organic olive oil from Olivenflower.gr)
- 250 gr sugar
- 4 eggs
- 500 g Super American flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon mahlep
- 1/2 teaspoon mastic (grated)
- Icing sugar for sprinkling
cooking process:
- Prepare the mixture: In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and continue beating.
- Mix the solid ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, mahlep, and mastic.
- Combine ingredients: Add milk, orange juice, and flour mixture alternately to the bowl with butter. Mix well until smooth.
- Preparing the penny: Wash and wrap your penny in aluminum foil.
- Baking: Pour the mixture into a buttered baking pan, place the coin in the center and bake at 180°C for 50-60 minutes.
- Decoration: Once cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar or write the year with melted chocolate.
Olivenflower.gr products for Vasilopita
Our store has a wide range of products that can take your Vasilopita to the next level:
- Spices: Machlepi, mastic, cinnamon and vanilla for rich aromas.
- Dried Fruit: Use for filling or decoration.
- Honey: For a more natural sweetening effect.
With products from Olivenflower.gr, you can create a unique basil pie that combines tradition and quality.
How to Make Vasilopita Special?
- Decoration: Use dried flowers or edible fragrances to make your pie stand out.
- Variations: Try adding dried figs, nuts, or raisins for extra flavor.
- Alternative Ingredients: Organic flour and honey can replace classic sugar and flour.
What Does the Coin Symbolize in Vasilopita?
The coin in Vasilopita is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the new year. Whoever finds it is believed to have a year full of blessings. Every year, the cutting of the Vasilopita is done with wishes for good luck and love.
Vasilopita is more than just a dessert. It is part of our cultural heritage, a way to connect with our roots and share moments with our loved ones. Using pure, quality ingredients from Olivenflower.gr, you can make a pie that combines tradition and innovation.
Happy New Year with Health, Love and Prosperity!
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