Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Citrus Glaze

There’s something so invigorating about the combination of citrus and poppy seeds. The bright, tangy flavor of orange paired with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds is a match made in heaven. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s a true celebration of these flavors: Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Citrus Glaze.

This cake is a delightful blend of sweet and tart, with the orange zest adding a fragrant burst of citrus that fills the kitchen as it bakes. The poppy seeds bring a lovely texture and a hint of nuttiness, making each bite a little more interesting. But the real star here is the citrus glaze, which soaks into the cake, making it incredibly moist and adding an extra layer of zesty flavor.

What I adore about this cake is its versatility. It’s perfect for a casual afternoon tea, a weekend brunch, or even as a light dessert after dinner. It’s easy to make, yet it feels special—like a little slice of sunshine on your plate.

Resume of the Recipe in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style:

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The Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Citrus Glaze is a vibrant, zesty dessert that’s as refreshing as it is delicious. The combination of orange zest and poppy seeds creates a flavorful cake with a delightful texture, while the citrus glaze adds a perfect finishing touch. This cake is easy to make and versatile enough to be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both light and flavorful, this Orange Poppy Seed Cake is a must-try. The citrusy glaze enhances the cake’s natural sweetness, making every bite a burst of fresh, tangy goodness.

Exciting Story:

This Orange Poppy Seed Cake has quickly become a family favorite in our home. The first time I made it, I was inspired by a recipe my grandmother used to make—she always had a citrusy cake on hand, perfect for afternoon tea. I decided to put my own twist on it by adding poppy seeds and a citrus glaze, and the results were even better than I expected.

My kids love the bright orange flavor, and my husband can’t get enough of the glaze. Every time I make this cake, it disappears within a day! It’s become our go-to treat for weekend brunches and gatherings with friends. There’s something so comforting about baking this cake—it fills the house with the most amazing citrus aroma, and everyone knows they’re in for a special treat.

Why This Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Citrus Glaze?

Bright and Refreshing Flavor: The combination of fresh orange zest and citrus glaze creates a cake that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavor.
Unique Texture: Poppy seeds add a subtle crunch that makes this cake extra special.
Versatile Dessert: This cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual brunches to elegant dinners.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this cake a breeze to bake.
Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is sure to impress guests and become a staple in your recipe collection.

How to Make Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Citrus Glaze

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice and milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the poppy seeds, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Citrus Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and orange zest (if using) until smooth and pourable.
- Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake and drizzle down the sides.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the cake and serve it as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Enjoy the bright, zesty flavors!

Tips:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best results.
Cooling the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the glaze to ensure it sets properly.
Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Substitutions and Variations:

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
Different Citrus: Substitute the orange with lemon or lime for a different citrus flavor.
Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).

Make a Healthier Version:

Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the cake to 3/4 cup and use a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup.
Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Greek Yogurt: Replace the butter with Greek yogurt for a lighter cake with added protein.

Closing in Todd Wilbur Style:

And there you have it! This Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Citrus Glaze is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The zesty flavors and unique texture make it a standout treat. Don’t forget to let us know how it turned out, and be sure to check out our other delicious recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and glaze it before serving.
What’s the best way to store the cake?
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes, the cake freezes well. Freeze it without the glaze, and add the glaze after thawing.
What other citrus fruits can I use?
- You can use lemons, limes, or even a combination of citrus fruits for a different flavor profile.
Can I add nuts to the batter?
- Absolutely! Chopped almonds or walnuts would add a nice crunch to the cake.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
- Add more powdered sugar if you prefer a thicker glaze.
Can I use store-bought orange juice?
- Freshly squeezed orange juice is best for this recipe, but store-bought juice can be used in a pinch.
What’s the best way to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
- Grease and flour the pan well, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Citrus Glaze

Recipe by Alexandra

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: All Word Recipes

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

hour

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon 1 baking powder
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 baking soda
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 salt
1/2 cup 1/2 unsalted butter, softened
1 cup 1 granulated sugar
2 large 2 eggs
1 tablespoon 1 orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
2 tablespoons 2 poppy seeds
1/2 cup 1/2 freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup 1/4 whole milk
1 teaspoon 1 vanilla extract
For the Citrus Glaze:
1 cup 1 powdered sugar
2 2 -3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon 1 lemon juice
1 teaspoon 1 orange zest (optional, for extra zing)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice and milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the poppy seeds, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Citrus Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, and orange zest (if using) until smooth and pourable.
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake and drizzle down the sides.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the cake and serve it as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Enjoy the bright, zesty flavors!

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