π°ππ Al’s Reduced Sugar Vasilopita ππ
What is it?
Al’s Reduced Sugar Vasilopita is a delightful variation of the traditional Greek New Year’s cake known as Vasilopita. It’s a special cake typically baked to celebrate the Feast of St. Basil on January 1st in Greece. This reduced sugar version is perfect for those who want to enjoy this delectable treat with a healthier twist!
History:
Vasilopita has a rich history dating back centuries. It’s named after St. Basil (Agios Vasilios in Greek), a respected bishop of the early Christian Church. Legend has it that during a time of great need, the people of Caesarea collected valuable items to offer as ransom for their city’s safety. To avoid taking anything from the people, St. Basil asked the women of the city to bake small bread-like cakes and hide their treasures inside. These cakes, now known as Vasilopita, were distributed, and miraculously, each person received their belongings back. This tradition continues today as Greeks bake Vasilopita, with a hidden coin or trinket, to bring good luck for the coming year.
Components:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of reduced sugar (or sugar substitute)
- 3/4 cup of unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 tsp of baking powder
- 1/2 tsp of baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- A coin or trinket (cleaned and wrapped in foil)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Sliced almonds for decoration (optional)
Steps to Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease a round cake pan.
- In a bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and reduced sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the Greek yogurt, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until you have a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and gently press the coin or trinket into the batter, making sure it’s well-hidden.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar and decorate with sliced almonds if desired.
Time Needed:
- Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour (approximately)
Enjoy Al’s Reduced Sugar Vasilopita as a healthier and equally delicious way to partake in this cherished Greek tradition! π¬π·π°β¨
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Al’s Reduced Sugar Vasilopita:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate Values):
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin D: 2%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 6%
- Potassium: 2%
Health Information:
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Reduced Sugar: Al’s Reduced Sugar Vasilopita contains less sugar than traditional recipes, making it a better choice for those looking to manage their sugar intake. Reduced sugar can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of sugar-related health issues.
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Moderate Calories: Each serving of this cake provides a moderate amount of calories, which makes it suitable for those who want to enjoy a sweet treat without excessive calorie intake.
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Good Source of Protein: With 4 grams of protein per serving, this cake offers a modest protein content. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and repair.
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Lower Saturated Fat: This recipe uses unsalted butter, which helps reduce the saturated fat content. Lower saturated fat intake is linked to better heart health.
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Source of Fiber: While not high in fiber, the cake does contain some dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help you feel fuller for longer.
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Vitamin and Mineral Content: This cake contributes a small amount of calcium and iron to your diet, supporting bone health and oxygen transport in the body, respectively.
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Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overindulging in calories and sugar. Consider enjoying a small slice as part of a balanced diet.
Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy Al’s Reduced Sugar Vasilopita in moderation as part of a balanced diet for a delicious and slightly healthier dessert option.