Vasilopita is the Greek New Year's cake that traditionally hides a coin.
The cake is cut at midnight or on New Year's Day, with pieces distributed among family members, guests, and sometimes the household or a religious figure. The person who finds the hidden coin is traditionally believed to receive good luck for the coming year. Recipes vary by region and family: some versions resemble a sweet bread, while others are closer to a citrus-flavoured cake.
The name means “Saint Basil's pie” or “Saint Basil's cake,” linking the custom with Saint Basil's feast day on January 1 in Greek tradition. The coin is inserted before baking or concealed carefully after baking, depending on the recipe.
Vasilopita is not simply a general Christmas dessert. Its defining feature is the New Year's cutting ceremony and the symbolic lucky coin.