Portuguese-inspired Vasilopita

Ingredients

In this Portuguese-inspired version of Vasilopita, we incorporate the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Portuguese cuisine. The traditional Greek spices of cloves and allspice are replaced with cinnamon and nutmeg, which are widely used in Portuguese desserts. Additionally, we add a hint of orange zest to enhance the citrus notes, a characteristic often found in Portuguese sweets. We alse have the original recipe for Vasilopita, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 44g, 26g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. 3.
   In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and orange zest.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. 7.
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
10. 10.
    Serve slices of the Portuguese-inspired Vasilopita and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Orange zest — Make sure to use organic oranges and wash them thoroughly before zesting to avoid any pesticide residue.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg — For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices or check the expiration date on pre-ground spices to ensure their potency.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the citrus flavor, you can add a tablespoon of orange juice to the batter.
• For an extra touch of Portuguese flair, serve the Vasilopita with a dollop of Portuguese custard (pasteis de nata) or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• If you prefer a more pronounced nutmeg flavor, freshly grate the nutmeg instead of using pre-ground nutmeg.
• To ensure a moist cake, avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added.
• If you don't have a round cake pan, you can use a square or rectangular baking dish instead.

Serving advice

Serve the Portuguese-inspired Vasilopita as a dessert or a sweet treat alongside a cup of Portuguese coffee or tea. Cut the cake into slices and present it on a decorative platter for an elegant touch.

Presentation advice

Dust the top of the cake generously with powdered sugar to create an inviting and festive appearance. You can also garnish each slice with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a twist of orange zest for an extra pop of color.