Vasilopita is the Greek New Year's cake traditionally baked with a hidden coin for the person who finds it. Families cut the cake at New Year, and receiving the coin is considered a sign of good luck for the coming year.
The name combines Saint Basil's name with the Greek word for pie or cake. In Greek tradition, Saint Basil's feast day falls on January 1, so the cake is closely associated with both New Year's Day and the saint's celebration. Different regions and families prepare vasilopita in different styles, including a sweet bread, a sponge cake, or a citrus-flavored cake.
A customary cutting order may give the first pieces to Christ, the household, Saint Basil, or absent family members before slices are distributed to everyone present. The coin is wrapped carefully before baking. Vasilopita should not be confused with tsoureki, the braided sweet bread most strongly associated with Greek Easter.