The Greek New Year’s cake that traditionally hides a coin for the lucky finder is called vasilopita.
Vasilopita is served around New Year in Greece and in Greek communities worldwide. A coin, called a flouri, is baked into the cake before serving. At the customary cutting, portions may be assigned to the household, guests, and sometimes religious or symbolic recipients. The person who finds the coin is believed to receive good luck in the coming year.
The name refers to Saint Basil, whose feast day is celebrated on January 1 in the Greek Orthodox tradition. A popular legend connects the coin tradition with Saint Basil returning valuables to their owners, though versions of the story differ.
Recipes vary by region and family. Some vasilopites resemble a sweet bread, while others are more like a cake flavored with citrus, spices, or mahleb. The hidden coin is the defining New Year feature, not one fixed recipe.