Name: Vasilopita Tsoureki (Greek New Years Bread)
Prep time: 4 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 110 g sugar ((3 3/4 oz)); 75 ml milk ((5 tbsp)); 20 g flaked almonds ((3/4 oz))

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This beloved Vasilopita Tsoureki recipe brings Greek New Year traditions right to your kitchen.

A heavenly sweet bread that’s both festive and meaningful, this traditional Greek New Year’s bread carries a hidden lucky coin and fills your home with aromatic warmth.

While it requires patience to prepare (about 5 hours total), the result is a beautifully braided, tender loaf that’s worth every minute.

Perfect for serving 10 guests, this authentic Greek bread combines the richness of tsoureki with the meaningful custom of Vasilopita cutting ceremonies.

Essential Ingredients for Vasilopita Tsoureki

Sugar & Butter: 110g sugar and 60g butter – forms the rich, sweet base
Milk & Water: 75ml milk and 65ml tepid water – creates perfect dough moisture
Yeast: 12g instant yeast – crucial for proper rising
Special Spices: Mastic teardrops and ground mahleb – adds authentic Greek flavor
Flour: 435g strong bread flour – provides structure and texture
Aromatics: Orange zest, vanilla pod – brings fresh, aromatic notes
Eggs: 2 large eggs – adds richness and golden color
Glaze Components: Flaked almonds, powdered sugar, vanilla extract – creates beautiful finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base: Heat sugar, milk, and butter until melted and smooth
Activate Yeast: Combine yeast with tepid water until frothy
Spice Preparation: Grind mastic with mahleb into fine powder
Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, salt, orange zest, and spice mixture
Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk eggs, add cooled sugar mixture and yeast mixture
Form Dough: Mix wet and dry ingredients, knead for 15 minutes until smooth
First Rise: Let dough double in size for 2 hours
Shape Bread: Create three ropes, braid, and coil in buttered pan
Second Rise: Allow shaped bread to proof for 2 more hours
Bake: Cook at 150C for 30 minutes until golden
Final Touches: Add hidden coin, glaze, and sprinkle with toasted almonds

Special Techniques for Perfect Tsoureki

The magic of this Greek New Year’s bread lies in the kneading and braiding! Give your dough a full 15 minutes of kneading – this builds the stretchy texture that makes tsoureki so special.

When braiding, keep it snug but gentle. Think of it like braiding hair – not too loose, not too tight. The three-strand braid represents the Holy Trinity in Greek tradition, making this bread extra meaningful.

Make It Your Own

Can’t find mastic or mahleb? Don’t worry! While these spices give tsoureki its traditional flavor, you can still make a tasty version without them.

Replace mahleb with a mix of almond extract and cinnamon. For the mastic flavor, try adding an extra teaspoon of vanilla.

If you’re out of strong bread flour, all-purpose flour works too – just expect a slightly softer texture.

Serving Your Vasilopita

In Greek homes, this bread brings joy and luck at New Year’s! Cut it into slices while everyone gathers around – whoever finds the hidden coin gets good fortune for the year ahead.

Serve it warm or at room temperature with a cup of Greek coffee or tea. Some families love it with a spread of butter or honey. The sweet glaze and toasted almonds on top make each bite special.

Storage Tips

Keep your tsoureki fresh by wrapping it well in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It stays good at room temperature for 3-4 days.

Want to keep it longer? Pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months! Just skip the glaze and almonds before freezing, and add them after you thaw it. To refresh a day-old slice, warm it gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.