Brighten your day with a slice of sunshine! This Orange and Poppy Seed Bundt cake is a wonderfully simple cake recipe, bursting with citrus flavor and a delightful texture. You’ll love how easy it is to make this elegant dessert.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Oranges: Fresh zest and juice are essential. You can use tangerines or clementines for a milder citrus note.
- Poppy Seeds: Add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor. Skip them if you prefer.
- All-Purpose Flour: Cake flour can be substituted for an even tenderer crumb.
- Buttermilk: Creates a moist cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Powdered Sugar: For the glaze. Granulated sugar can be pulsed in a food processor until fine if needed.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1-2 oranges)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
For the Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 10-12
- Tools Needed: Bundt pan, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Bundt Pan
Generously grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan. This prevents your simple cake recipe from sticking and ensures a beautiful release. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined for even distribution.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, orange zest, and ¼ cup orange juice. This forms the liquid base for your moist cake.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a whisk or spatula just until combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
5. Fold in Poppy Seeds
Gently fold the poppy seeds into the cake batter. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout your delicious simple cake recipe.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack. Then, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
8. Make the Glaze
While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. Add more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency.
9. Glaze Your Bundt
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze generously over the top. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving your lovely simple cake recipe.
Variation Ideas:
- Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt: Substitute lemon zest and juice for the orange.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips with the poppy seeds.
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Instead of the simple orange glaze, make a cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Orange and Poppy Seed Bundt cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days. If freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A: Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Q: Why did my Bundt cake stick to the pan?
A: This usually happens if the pan wasn’t greased and floured thoroughly. Ensure you cover all crevices, especially with a detailed Bundt pan.
Q: Can I skip the poppy seeds?
A: Absolutely! The cake will still be delicious without them.
Q: My glaze is too thin/thick. How can I fix it?
A: If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thick, add more orange juice a teaspoon at a time.
Q: Can I use bottled orange juice?
A: Freshly squeezed orange juice offers the best flavor for this simple cake recipe, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
Q: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A: Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.