Looking for a showstopper dessert to impress your friends and family? Look no further than this Orange Poppy Seed Cake, a perfect blend of citrusy freshness and delightful crunch. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a moist, fluffy cake that’s ideal for celebrations or just a special treat on a cozy afternoon. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply baking for yourself, this cake will not disappoint. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients for the Orange Poppy Seed Cake
To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients for this zesty cake:
- 3 medium oranges (room temperature)
- 1 cup plain yoghurt (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 390 g plain flour (all-purpose flour) (about 3 cups)
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ cup poppy seeds
- 113 g salted butter (softened, ½ cup or 1 stick)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (such as canola oil or rice bran oil)
- 1 ½ cups white granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups icing sugar (powdered sugar)
For best results, we recommend weighing your ingredients where possible, especially for the flour and sugar.
Equipment Needed
- 10-12 cup capacity bundt pan
- Stand mixer or hand mixer with mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula for scraping the batter
Instructions: How to Make the Perfect Orange Poppy Seed Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Bundt Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your bundt pan thoroughly using very soft butter, ensuring you coat all the grooves and corners. Then, lightly dust the pan with flour, tapping out the excess. This will help your cake come out smoothly once baked.
Step 2: Prep the Oranges
Zest the oranges until you have about 2 tablespoons of zest. Set it aside in a small jug. Juice the oranges until you have ⅔ cup of juice. Add ½ cup of the juice to the zest, and then whisk in the plain yoghurt and vanilla extract. Set this orange mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and poppy seeds. Whisk everything together to ensure they’re well combined and aerated. Set the dry ingredients aside.
Step 4: Make the Cake Batter
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl if you’re using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed for about 1 minute, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vegetable oil and continue beating for another minute or two until the batter is pale.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
Now, gradually add one-third of the dry flour mixture and mix on low speed until it’s about 80% combined. Then, add half of the orange-yoghurt mixture, mixing until nearly combined. Repeat with the remaining dry flour mixture and yoghurt mixture, ensuring you finish with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently mix the last bit of flour in, taking care not to over-mix the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the thick batter into your prepared bundt pan and level it out. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached. Let the cake cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
To finish the cake, whisk together the icing sugar and remaining orange juice until you get a thick but pourable consistency. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides for that professional touch!
Tips for the Perfect Orange Poppy Seed Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs, yoghurt, and butter are at room temperature.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix only until everything is just combined.
- Baking time varies: Since oven temperatures can vary, start testing the cake with a toothpick 2-3 minutes before the recommended baking time.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional profile of this delicious cake:
- Calories: 575 per serving
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 85g
- Sugar: 53g
- Protein: 8g
- Vitamin C: 21mg
It’s a rich and indulgent treat but balanced with a burst of fresh citrus and a poppy seed crunch, making it a perfect option for a variety of occasions.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of citrusy desserts, you might also enjoy some of our other cake recipes like the Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu: A Seasonal Twist on a Classic Dessert or the Cranberry-Orange Cheesecake: A Refreshing Holiday Dessert.
For more delightful desserts to sweeten your day, be sure to check out our Holiday Recipes or explore some cozy winter treats like our Bailey’s Irish Cream Chocolate Fondue.
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Enjoy baking this Orange Poppy Seed Cake and let us know how it turns out! Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Happy baking!
