The Greek New Year’s cake that traditionally contains a hidden coin is called vasilopita.
Vasilopita is served around New Year’s Day in Greece and in Greek communities elsewhere. A coin, called a flouri, is baked into the cake before it is served. Family members or guests receive slices, and the person who finds the coin is traditionally thought to receive good luck for the coming year. Some households also cut symbolic slices for religious figures, the household or absent family members.
The cake is named after Saint Basil the Great, whose feast day is celebrated on January 1 in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Recipes vary by region and family: some versions resemble a sweet bread, while others are closer to a dense cake. Because the coin is hidden, diners should be warned to eat carefully. Vasilopita is not the same as the Christmas bread or pastry traditions found in other European countries, even though the lucky-object custom has parallels elsewhere.