Christmas in Greece is a magical time filled with traditions, joy, and of course, delicious food. One of the most beloved Greek Christmas recipes is the Vassilopita Portokali Orange New Year’s Cake. This delightful dessert is not only a sweet treat but also a symbol of prosperity for the upcoming year. Made with aromatic oranges and a hint of warm spices, this cake is perfect for celebrating the holiday season with your loved ones.
Vassilopita Portokali Orange New Year’s Cake
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 eggs
– 1 cup fresh orange juice
– Zest of 2 oranges
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– 1/2 cup slivered almonds for garnish
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the orange juice and orange zest until well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Sprinkle the slivered almonds evenly over the batter.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
Indulge in a slice of this fragrant and moist Vassilopita Portokali Orange New Year’s Cake as you ring in the new year with your family and friends. The citrusy flavor combined with the subtle hint of cinnamon makes this cake a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table. Remember to hide a coin in the cake before baking – tradition says that whoever finds it in their slice will have good luck for the coming year.
Enjoy the warmth and cheer of the holiday season with this traditional Greek Christmas recipe. From our kitchen to yours, we wish you a joyous and delicious holiday season!