Sweet Surprises: Crafting a Chocolate Vasilopita for New Year's Delight

 Vasilopita with chocolate is a delectable twist on the traditional Greek New Year's cake. While it may stray from the classic vasilopita, this cake is a true delight for avid chocolate enthusiasts.

This indulgent chocolate vasilopita calls for the following ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground almonds, couverture chocolate, self-raising flour, baking powder, salt, plums, powdered sugar, and brandy. Couverture chocolate is renowned for its exceptional quality, boasting a higher cocoa butter content than standard baking or eating chocolate. This surplus of cocoa butter lends the chocolate a wonderfully smooth and mellow flavor.

Before embarking on the creation of this chocolate-infused vasilopita, ensure that all the ingredients have reached room temperature.

Crafting the perfect Vasilopita with chocolate will demand approximately 30 minutes of preparation and an additional 60 minutes of baking time.

Vasilopita with Cacao: A Greek New Year's Cake with Chocolate

Vasilopita with Chocolate - Ingredients

  • 350 g of butter, plus some butter for the pan-greasing
  • 300 g of sugar
  • 5 large eggs
  • 2 vanilla extracts
  • 10 dried plums, chopped 
  • 220 g of couverture chocolate
  • 100 grams of ground almond
  • 150 grams of self-raising flour
  • 2 tbsps of baking powder
  • Two pinches of salt
  • Powdered sugar
  • 6 tbsps of brandy  
  • A baking pan, 35 cm diameter 
  • One clean coin, wrapped in aluminum foil 

Vasilopita with Chocolate - How to Make

  1. Start this chocolate vasilopita by greasing well the baking pan and ideally covering it with some parchment paper.
  2. Heat the brandy, and add the chopped dried plums.
  3. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes, to soften the fruit and allow it to cool.
  4. Melt the couverture chocolate. Set aside and allow to cool down a bit.
  5. Sift the flour with the baking powder in a bowl.
  6. Preheat oven to 170°C.
  7. In the bowl of the mixer beat the soft butter with the sugar, until you get a fluffy mixture for around 5 minutes and until the sugar is totally dissolved.
  8. Add the eggs one by one, and then add the vanilla extracts.
  9. Add the melted warm couverture chocolate, the liqueur, ground almond, and salt.
  10. Finally, gradually add the sifted flour mixture.
  11. Place the coin and then pour the mixture into the pan.
  12. Bake for around 55 to 60 minutes. 
  13. Remove from oven and allow the vasilopita to rest for around 10 minutes. 
  14. Turn the pan over and gently remove the parchment paper.
  15. Allow the chocolate vasilopita to cool completely. 
  16. Put it on a plate and top it with some powdered sugar. 
This easy vasilopita with chocolate recipe gives around 15 pieces depending on how big you cut them. 

As you embark on the journey of creating this delectable chocolate vasilopita, remember that traditions have the power to evolve and adapt while still retaining their essence. Much like the warmth and togetherness of New Year's celebrations, this cake brings a modern and sweet twist to a cherished tradition. May it not only tantalize your taste buds but also create beautiful memories with your loved ones. As the aroma fills your kitchen and the anticipation grows, let this chocolate vasilopita symbolize the sweetness and joy that the coming year holds for you and your dear ones. Happy baking and a heartfelt Happy New Year!