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Delightful Orange Poppy Seed Cake: A Citrus Sensation

Are you searching for a dessert that will wow your friends and family? Look no further! This Orange Poppy Seed Cake is the perfect combination of zesty orange and delightful crunch. Easy to make, this moist and fluffy cake is perfect for any celebration or just a sweet indulgence during a quiet afternoon. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to please. Let’s get started on this tasty adventure!

Ingredients for the Orange Poppy Seed Cake

Gather the following ingredients to whip up this zesty treat:

3 medium oranges (room temperature)
1 cup plain yogurt (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
390 g plain flour (all-purpose) (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 the best outcome, weighing your ingredients—especially flour and sugar—is highly recommended!

Equipment Needed

10-12 cup capacity bundt pan
Stand mixer or hand mixer with mixing bowls
Rubber spatula for batter scraping

Instructions: How to Make the Perfect Orange Poppy Seed Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Bundt Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Take your bundt pan and generously grease it using softened butter, making sure to cover all the nooks and crannies. Once greased, lightly dust the pan with flour and tap out any excess. This step is crucial to ensure your cake slides out effortlessly once baked.

Step 2: Prep the Oranges

Zest the oranges until you have about 2 tablespoons of zest, and set it aside in a small jug. Next, juice the oranges until you have ⅔ cup of fresh juice. Take ½ cup of this juice and combine it with the orange zest, then whisk in the plain yogurt and vanilla extract. This flavorful mixture will be set aside for later use.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and poppy seeds. Ensuring they are well mixed and aerated is key, so take your time with this step. Set your dry ingredients aside for now.

Step 4: Make the Cake Batter

In your stand mixer bowl (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 turns light and fluffy. Pour in the vegetable oil and continue beating for another minute or two until the batter becomes pale.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined well.

Gradually incorporate one-third of the dry flour mixture, mixing on low speed until it’s almost fully combined. Add half of the orange-yogurt mixture next, mixing until just combined. Repeat this process by adding the remaining dry ingredients and yogurt mixture, making sure to finish with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold in the last bits of flour, being careful not to overwork the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Gently pour the thick batter into your prepared bundt pan, leveling it out. Now, pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

As the cake cools, whip up the icing by whisking together the icing sugar and the remaining orange juice until you achieve a thick but pourable consistency. Drizzle this luscious icing over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for that irresistible, professional touch!

Orange Poppy Seed Cake: A Zesty, Fluffy Delight for Any Occasion

Tips for the Perfect Orange Poppy Seed Cake

Use room temperature ingredients: For the best texture, ensure your eggs, yogurt, and butter are all at room temperature before mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, so mix just until everything is combined.
Baking time may vary: Every oven is different! Start testing your cake with a toothpick about 2-3 minutes before the suggested baking time as a precaution.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutritional breakdown for this delicious cake:

Calories: 575 per serving
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 85g
Sugar: 53g
Protein: 8g
Vitamin C: 21mg

Although it’s a rich treat, the refreshing citrus flavor and poppy seed crunch balance it out beautifully, making it a great choice for numerous occasions.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of fruity desserts, consider trying more of our delightful cake recipes like the Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu: A Seasonal Twist on a Classic Dessert or the Cranberry-Orange Cheesecake: A Refreshing Holiday Dessert.

To keep your sweet tooth satisfied, explore our Holiday Recipes or cozy up with some delightful winter treats, such as our Bailey’s Irish Cream Chocolate Fondue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different citrus fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with lemons, limes, or even grapefruits for a unique flavor twist.

2. How do I store leftover cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to two months.