Zesty Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Silky Cream Cheese Frosting
This delightful Zesty Orange Poppy Seed Cake is a wonderful celebration treat that combines the refreshing taste of fresh oranges with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. Originating from a treasured recipe found in a sanatarium cookbook, this cake captured hearts at my daughter's first birthday party, even as the original cake took an unexpected turn. With a moist and fluffy texture paired with rich cream cheese frosting, it's an irresistible dessert that is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any joyful gathering. Plus, this versatile recipe can easily be transformed into delightful cupcakes, making it an excellent choice for parties of all sizes.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
3 (Beaten)
Orange rind
1 teaspoon (Zested)
Sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
Carrots
2 cups (Grated)
Almond meal
100 g (Ground)
Poppy seeds
1 teaspoon (Unsoaked)
Wholemeal plain flour
1/4 cup (Sifted)
Wholemeal self-rising flour
1/2 cup (Sifted)
Cream cheese
250 g (Softened)
Margarine
1 teaspoon (Softened)
Orange rind (for frosting)
1 teaspoon (Zested)
Icing sugar
1/2 cup (Sifted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a cake tin, lining it with baking paper for easy removal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Sift the wholemeal plain flour and wholemeal self-rising flour into the egg and sugar mixture, stirring gently to combine.
4
Fold in the grated carrots, almond meal, poppy seeds, and orange rind until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8
For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the cream cheese, margarine, orange rind, and icing sugar until smooth and creamy.
9
Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or a knife.
10
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Orange Poppy Seed Cake?
It is a delightful celebration treat that combines the refreshing taste of fresh oranges with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, topped with a silky cream cheese frosting.
What is the texture of the Zesty Orange Poppy Seed Cake?
The cake has a moist and fluffy texture with a subtle crunch from the poppy seeds.
Where did the original recipe for this cake come from?
The recipe originated from a treasured recipe found in a sanitarium cookbook.
Is this cake suitable for specific occasions?
Yes, it is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any joyful gathering.
Can I make cupcakes using this recipe?
Yes, this versatile recipe can easily be transformed into delightful cupcakes.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C (350°F).
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake should bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
What ingredients are in the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of cream cheese, margarine, orange rind, and sifted icing sugar.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 beaten eggs.
What type of flour is used in the cake?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of sifted wholemeal plain flour and 1/2 cup of sifted wholemeal self-rising flour.
Do I need to soak the poppy seeds before adding them to the batter?
No, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of unsoaked poppy seeds.
How much grated carrot is needed?
You will need 2 cups of grated carrots.
What is the quantity of almond meal used?
The recipe requires 100 grams of ground almond meal.
How should I prepare the cake tin?
Grease the cake tin and line it with baking paper for easy removal.
How do I mix the eggs and sugar?
Beat the eggs and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How do I incorporate the flour into the mixture?
Sift the flours into the egg and sugar mixture and stir gently to combine.
When do I add the carrots and almond meal?
Fold in the grated carrots, almond meal, poppy seeds, and orange rind after combining the flour.
How long should the cake cool before frosting?
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How do I prepare the frosting?
Beat together the cream cheese, margarine, orange rind, and icing sugar until the consistency is smooth and creamy.
Can I use orange rind in both the cake and the frosting?
Yes, 1 teaspoon is used in the cake batter and another teaspoon is used for the cream cheese frosting.
What is the recommended serving size?
The serving size and specific nutritional values are not specified, but it serves a standard group.
How much sugar is in the cake batter?
The cake batter contains 1 cup of granulated sugar.
What type of sugar is used for the frosting?
1/2 cup of sifted icing sugar is used for the frosting.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 12 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is margarine or butter used for the frosting?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of softened margarine for the frosting.
How should I apply the frosting?
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or knife.
What indicates that the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when it looks golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Is the flour sifted?
Yes, both the wholemeal plain flour and the wholemeal self-rising flour should be sifted.
Is this a carrot-based cake?
Yes, it contains 2 cups of grated carrots, which contributes to its moisture.
Can this recipe be used for an anniversary?
Yes, it is described as an excellent choice for anniversaries and other joyful gatherings.