Vasilopita is the Greek New Year's cake containing a hidden lucky coin.
The name means “Saint Basil's pie” or “Saint Basil's cake.” It is traditionally prepared for New Year's Day and is cut in a ceremonial order that may include the household, the church, and individual family members. The person who receives the slice containing the coin is believed to have good luck for the coming year.
Recipes vary by region and family. Vasilopita may be a sweet bread resembling tsoureki, a citrus-flavored cake, or another local preparation. The coin is carefully wrapped or inserted before baking, and diners are warned to eat cautiously because the prize is hidden inside.
The custom is connected with Saint Basil the Great, whose feast day is observed in Greece on January 1. Vasilopita is therefore associated with New Year celebrations rather than with the Christmas sweets baklava, melomakarona, or kourabiedes.