Citrus Bliss Poppy Seed Cake
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Citrus Bliss Poppy Seed Cake, inspired by Levana Kirschenbaum's culinary creations. This cake embodies the bright zest of fresh oranges combined with the nutty crunch of poppy seeds, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. With a moist crumb and a luscious orange syrup that seeps in while the cake is warm, it's a dessert that elevates any occasion, from casual gatherings to celebratory feasts. Perfectly paired with a cup of tea or coffee, this cake is bound to become a go-to favorite in your dessert repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
Baking powder
1 tablespoon
Salt
1 pinch
Grated orange zest
2 tablespoons (freshly grated)
Eggs
5 (large)
Sugar
1 1/2 cups
Vegetable oil
1 cup
Vanilla extract
1 tablespoon
Fresh orange juice
1 cup (divided)
Poppy seeds
3/4 cup
Sugar for syrup
1/4 cup
Margarine
3 tablespoons (unsalted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 10-inch springform pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and grated orange zest until evenly combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
3
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the eggs and sugar. Beat on high speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
4
Slowly add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
5
Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with 3/4 cup of orange juice. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing.
6
Once the batter is smooth, fold in the poppy seeds using a spatula to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
While the cake bakes, prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup sugar, and 3 tablespoons of margarine. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
10
After baking, remove the cake from the oven and immediately unmold it from the springform pan onto a wire rack. While still hot, prick holes in the cake with a skewer and brush the orange syrup generously over the top and sides, allowing it to absorb fully.
11
Let the cake cool completely on the rack before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Bliss Poppy Seed Cake?
It is a moist dessert cake featuring fresh orange zest, crunchy poppy seeds, and a luscious orange syrup soak.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The cake highlights bright citrus notes from fresh orange juice and zest combined with the nutty flavor of poppy seeds.
What type of pan should I use?
You should use a 10-inch springform pan that has been greased.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for baking.
How many eggs are needed for this cake?
This recipe requires 5 large eggs.
Should the flour be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3 cups of all-purpose flour that has been sifted.
How do I mix the eggs and sugar?
Beat them on high speed in a stand mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
What kind of oil is used in this cake?
The recipe uses 1 cup of vegetable oil.
How much orange juice is required in total?
You will need 1 cup of fresh orange juice total, divided between the batter and the syrup.
How much orange zest should I add?
Add 2 tablespoons of freshly grated orange zest to the dry ingredients.
When do I add the poppy seeds?
Fold the poppy seeds into the batter using a spatula once the batter is smooth.
How long does the Citrus Bliss Poppy Seed Cake bake?
Bake the cake for approximately 1 hour.
How do I check if the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick or knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is finished.
What are the ingredients for the orange syrup?
The syrup consists of 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup sugar, and 3 tablespoons of margarine.
How do I prepare the orange syrup?
Combine the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat and stir for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
When should I apply the syrup?
Apply the syrup immediately after removing the cake from the oven while it is still hot.
How do I help the syrup absorb into the cake?
Prick holes in the top of the hot cake with a skewer before brushing the syrup over the top and sides.
Does the cake need to cool before serving?
Yes, let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Can I use butter instead of margarine in the syrup?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of unsalted margarine, but butter is a common substitute in baking if dietary needs allow.
What is the role of vanilla extract in this recipe?
One tablespoon of vanilla extract is added to enhance the overall flavor profile.
How do I prevent the cake from being tough?
Gently mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing.
How should I incorporate the flour and juice?
Alternately add the flour mixture and 3/4 cup orange juice, beginning and ending with the flour.
Is this cake suitable for celebrations?
Yes, its elegant citrus flavor and moist crumb make it perfect for celebratory feasts or casual gatherings.
What should I serve with this cake?
It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
How much baking powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of baking powder.
What should the batter consistency look like before adding seeds?
The batter should be smooth after incorporating the flour and orange juice.
Should I unmold the cake while it is hot?
Yes, the instructions state to immediately unmold the cake from the springform pan onto a wire rack after baking.
How many poppy seeds are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of poppy seeds.
What is the texture of the finished cake?
It has a moist crumb with a subtle crunch from the poppy seeds.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary creations of Levana Kirschenbaum.