Brighten your baking with this delightful Orange Poppy Seed Cake, a true bakery style cake recipe that’s surprisingly simple to master. This cake offers a vibrant citrus flavor and a tender crumb, making it an impressive yet approachable treat for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Fresh Oranges: Essential for zest and juice; Meyer lemons can be a bright alternative.
- Poppy Seeds: Provide a delicate crunch and visual appeal.
- All-Purpose Flour: Cake flour can be used for an even softer texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Margarine or a plant-based butter substitute works well for dairy-free needs.
- Granulated Sugar: You can reduce the amount slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
- Plain Yogurt (or Sour Cream): Adds moisture and tang; buttermilk is a great substitute.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 2 medium oranges)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
For the Orange Glaze (Optional):
- 1 1/2 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: 8-10 slices
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (without glaze)
Tools Needed: 9-inch bundt pan or 9×13 inch baking pan, electric mixer, mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9-inch bundt pan or 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. This ensures your bakery style cake recipe releases beautifully.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Set this aside. This preliminary step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your cake batter.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can take about 3-5 minutes and is crucial for a tender cake texture. You are building the foundation for a delicious bakery style cake.
4. Add Eggs and Orange Zest
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter.
5. Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice and yogurt. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on your bakery style cake.
7. Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re making the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Variation Ideas
- Cranberry Orange: Add 1 cup of dried cranberries to the batter for a festive touch.
- Almond Poppy Seed: Replace some of the orange zest with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Muffin Form: Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual servings, adjusting baking time to 20-25 minutes.
Storage Instructions
Store your Orange Poppy Seed Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. If it’s glazed, you can loosely cover it to prevent the glaze from sticking. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices, well-wrapped, for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Freshly squeezed orange juice offers the best flavor, but bottled orange juice can be used in a pinch.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
This often happens from opening the oven door too early, overmixing the batter, or the baking soda/powder losing potency.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use a plant-based butter substitute and dairy-free yogurt.
How do I prevent my bundt cake from sticking?
Ensure you grease and flour the pan meticulously, getting into all the crevices. Using a baking spray with flour can also help.
Can I omit the poppy seeds?
You can, but they add a unique texture and visual appeal to this bakery style cake recipe. The flavor will still be delightful without them.
What kind of oranges are best for this recipe?
Navel oranges or Valencia oranges work wonderfully for both zest and juice.