Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Citrus Glaze 🍊🍰
Introduction
Treat yourself to a slice of sunshine with this delightful Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Citrus Glaze. This cake is not only beautiful but also packed with zesty flavors. The combination of fresh oranges and crunchy poppy seeds makes for a perfect spring or summer dessert. Topped with a sweet citrus glaze and creamy filling, this cake will brighten any occasion and bring a smile to your face.
Why Make This Recipe
If you love the refreshing taste of oranges, this cake is a must-try. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor. Poppy seeds add a lovely texture and a unique twist that sets this cake apart from other desserts. It’s perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or just a sweet treat at home. The best part is that it’s simple to make, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
How to Make Orange Poppy Seed Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Citrus Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the orange juice, orange zest, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the filling by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cakes have cooled, spread the filling evenly on top of one layer. Place the second layer on top.
- Prepare the citrus glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
- Drizzle the citrus glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 380 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
How to Serve Orange Poppy Seed Cake
Serve your Orange Poppy Seed Cake chilled or at room temperature. It’s wonderful on its own, but you can also pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A cup of tea or coffee beside it makes for a delightful afternoon treat.
How to Store Orange Poppy Seed Cake
To store your cake, place it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw by placing it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Tips to Make Orange Poppy Seed Cake
- Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best results.
- Avoid overmixing the batter; mix just until combined.
- For extra flavor, add more orange zest into the batter or glaze.
Variation
For a fun twist, try adding blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity explosion. You could also substitute lemon juice and zest for an equally refreshing lemon poppy seed cake.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled juice, fresh orange juice gives a much brighter flavor.
2. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the layers a day in advance. Just store them wrapped in plastic wrap until you’re ready to assemble.
3. How can I make this cake dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil for the butter and non-dairy yogurt for the sour cream.
This Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Citrus Glaze is bound to be a hit, whether for a special occasion or a little weekly treat! Enjoy the burst of citrus with every bite. 🍊🍰
