Greek Vasilopita Cake (Orange New Year's Cake) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest and juice from 2 large oranges (1 cup juice)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Powdered sugar, for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour 9-inch cake pan. Line bottom of pan with a circle of parchment paper.
2. With an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale yellow, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, making sure that each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.
3. Add brandy, vanilla, and orange zest. Stir. Do not worry if batter curdles.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
5. Alternate adding to the batter a bit of flour mixture followed by a little orange juice. Stir gently in between additions and end with the flour mix. Do not over-mix.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan. Drop in a clean coin and smooth the top (see Cook's Tip). Bake 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a rack.
7. Carefully invert cake and place it right-side up on a serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
8. Cook's Tip:
9. You may also make a cut in the bottom of the cake and insert a coin after it is baked rather than dropping it in beforehand.