Vasilopita is the Greek New Year’s cake containing a hidden coin for good luck.
The cake is traditionally cut around New Year, often at midnight or on New Year’s Day. A coin called a flouri is baked inside, and the person who receives the slice containing it is believed to have good fortune for the coming year. Families and organizations may cut separate slices for household members, guests, absent people, or institutions.
Vasilopita is associated with Saint Basil, whose feast day is celebrated in Greece on January 1. Stories explaining the coin tradition connect it with Saint Basil and the return of valuables to local people, though versions of the story differ.
Recipes vary by region and household. Some versions resemble a sweet bread, while others are more like a moist cake flavored with citrus, spices, or mahleb. The name identifies the New Year custom and cake, not one single universal recipe.