This Orange and Poppy Seeds cake is very nostalgic for me. Whenever I make it, I think back to my first part-time job. I was a young teenager in the 90’s waitressing part time while finishing high school.
Orange and Poppy Seed Cake was one of the most popular items we used to sell. Customers would always ask for it, and it would sell out quickly. Since then, like many 90’s favourites, it has fallen out of fashion. I hold out hope for its comeback. Like 90’s fashion, it might once again have its time in the spotlight.
The charm of Orange and Poppy Seed Cake
This moist Orange and Poppyseed Cake is infused with the vibrant fragrance of fresh oranges. The poppy seeds add a unique texture and a slight nutty flavour. The cake on its own is not overly sweet. This allows the natural flavours to shine through. The Orange Cream Cheese Icing on top adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang. This easy Orange and Poppyseed Cake is so simple to make. Your house will smell like fresh oranges the whole time it bakes.
Ingredients in Homemade Orange and Poppy Seed Cake
- Fresh Oranges
- Eggs
- Caster Sugar
- Butter
- Self Raising Flour
- Almond Flour
- Poppy Seeds
Ingredients in Orange Cream Cheese Frosting (Icing)
- Cream Cheese
- Butter
- Orange Zest
- Orange Juice
- Icing Sugar Mixture (or icing sugar)
Tips for Success
- Fresh is best: Use fresh orange juice and zest for the most vibrant flavour.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Donāt overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Modifications for Orange and Poppy Seed Cake
I don’t feel like anything too sweet sometimes. In those cases, I will serve this cake without the Orange Cream Cheese Icing. I simply dust it with icing sugar instead. When I present it like this, I often add a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Sometimes, I use crĆØme fraiche or some natural Greek yogurt for a lighter treat.
Make it gluten free!
It is really easy to make this cake a Gluten Free Orange and Poppy Seed Cake. Replace the self raising flour with an additional cup of almond flour. Add 2tsp of baking powder and 1/2 tsp of baking soda.
Final Thoughts
Baking this cake is like capturing a bit of sunshine in every slice. The combination of citrusy orange and nutty poppyseeds creates a flavour profile that’s both comforting and invigorating. You may bake this Orange and Poppy Seed Cake for a special occasion. You might just want to satisfy a sweet craving. Either way, it is sure to become a favourite in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to pop the kettle on as this cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cuppa. Happy baking!
If youāre after more classic cakes for celebrations, I also have a red velvet cake and mum’s carrot cake that are both always popular.
Orange and Poppy Seed Cake Recipe
Equipment
- electric beater or mixer
- cake tin 20cm/ 8 inch
Ingredients
Orange and Poppy Seed Cake
- 1 orange
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 185 grams butter melted
- 1 cup self raising flour
- Ā½ cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
Orange Cream Cheese Icing
- 125 grams cream cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1Ā½ cups icing sugar mixture
- 3 or 4 slices of glace orange optional for garnish
Instructions
Orange and Poppy Seed Cake
- Pre heat a fan forced oven to 170ā
- Grease and line cake tin with baking paper
- Remove zest from the orange with a peeler, careful to just take the top/ orange part not the pith (white part between the skin and the flesh of the orange).
- Once zest is removed set aside and use a knife to remove and discard the pith.
- Roughly chop the orange flesh and use a stick blender or food processor to puree both the zest and the orange until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl break three eggs and whisk, then add the sugar and whisk again until well combined. Next add the orange puree and melted butter and whisk again till well combined.
- Gradually add the self raising flour and almond flour and continue to mix with the whisk, finally add the poppy seeds and give it a final stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Pour cake batter into cake tin and bake in the oven for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the cake tin for 10 minutes before removing cake to a wire rack to cook completely.
Orange Cream Cheese Icing
- Add cream cheese and butter to a mixing bowl and beat with electric beaters until well combined, next add the orange zest and beat again until well combined.
- Gradually add the icing sugar mixture a third at the time, then pour in the orange juice 1 tablespoon at a time and beat until you have desired consistency. You are looking for a smooth thick mixture that won't fall off the back of a spoon.
To Serve
- Spread the orange cream cheese icing over the cooled cake with a spatula and garnish with glace orange slices (if you are using them).
- Serve at room temperature with a nice hot cup of tea or coffee.
Video
Nutrition
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How lovely! It looks delicious! Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome xx