Sweet Orange & Poppy Seed Cake Recipe: A Zesty Homemade Joy

Sweet aromas of citrusy orange and nutty poppy seed dance through your kitchen when baking this delightful cake.

Sunshine-bright ingredients promise a delectable treat that sparks joy with every slice.

Zesty orange peels complement the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Moist and tender, this cake feels like a warm embrace from a cherished memory.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe with confidence.

Soft crumbs and vibrant notes will transport you to a cozy afternoon of pure culinary bliss.

Let’s whip up a slice of happiness that will make everyone ask for seconds.

Nigella Orange And Poppy Seed Cake Ingredients

• Flour: A key component that provides the structural foundation for the cake.
• Poppy Seeds: Adds delightful texture and a subtle nutty flavor to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises and becomes light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Orange Juice: Provides bright, fresh citrus flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Yogurt: Adds richness and helps create a tender, soft cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla: Offers a warm, sweet background note to complement the orange.

• Sugar, Orange Zest: Work together to create an intense, fragrant citrus sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Contributes to a moist, smooth cake texture with a subtle richness.

How To Bake Nigella Orange And Poppy Seed Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and prep your loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly. If you want extra insurance against sticking, line the pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create the Dry Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Poppy seeds
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly distributed.

Step 3: Awaken the Citrus Essence

Take sugar and fresh orange zest, then rub them together in a separate bowl. This technique helps release the intense orange oils and creates a wonderfully fragrant mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Fresh orange juice
• Creamy yogurt
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Whisk these components until they’re smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Aromatic Mixture

Pour the wet ingredients into the sugar-zest bowl and stir thoroughly to create a cohesive mixture.

Step 6: Introduce Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Use a light hand to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.

Step 7: Add Luxurious Oil

Slowly incorporate olive oil into the batter, folding carefully until the mixture becomes glossy and uniform.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. The cake is ready when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Release

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips For Nigella Orange And Poppy Seed Cake

• Zest Maximizing: Gently rub orange zest with sugar to release maximum citrus oils and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Mixing Technique: Fold dry ingredients gently to prevent overmixing, which can create a tough cake texture.
• Oil Integration: Add olive oil slowly and fold carefully to ensure smooth, glossy batter without oil separation.
• Moisture Preservation: Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack to maintain moisture and prevent crumbling.
• Doneness Check: Use toothpick test to ensure cake is fully baked, inserting in center and checking for clean removal.

Tasty Variations For Nigella Orange And Poppy Seed Cake

• Lemon Poppy Seed Cake: Replace orange zest and juice with lemon zest and juice for a tangy citrus alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour to make the cake suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut yogurt instead of regular yogurt and replace olive oil with coconut oil for a lactose-free adaptation.
• Vegan Variation: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce and use plant-based yogurt to create a completely vegan cake.

Best Pairings For Nigella Orange And Poppy Seed Cake

• Complement Citrus Brightness: Pair the orange and poppy seed cake with a crisp, chilled Riesling that echoes the cake's bright citrus notes and cuts through its richness.
• Enhance Sweet-Tart Balance: Serve alongside a dollop of lavender-infused whipped cream to add a delicate floral undertone that softens the cake's zesty profile.
• Create Textural Contrast: Match with a scoop of vanilla bean gelato, which provides a creamy, cool counterpoint to the cake's nutty poppy seed texture and warm orange flavor.
• Elevate Morning Experience: Enjoy with a freshly brewed Earl Grey tea, whose bergamot notes will harmonize beautifully with the cake's citrusy essence and create a sophisticated breakfast or afternoon treat.

How To Store Nigella Orange And Poppy Seed Cake Properly

• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container, keeping fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Seal carefully to prevent moisture loss.
• Slice cake completely, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days in a sealed cake dome or container with tight-fitting lid, ensuring minimal air exposure.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds, or gently reheat in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and fresh-baked taste.

Nigella Orange And Poppy Seed Cake Questions Answered

• Can I use other citrus zest instead of orange?

Yes, lemon or tangerine zest work great and provide similar bright, fresh flavors to the cake.

• Are poppy seeds necessary for this recipe?

While poppy seeds add texture and subtle nutty flavor, you can omit them if you don’t have them or prefer a smoother cake.

• What type of yogurt works best for this recipe?

Plain whole milk yogurt provides the best moisture and richness, but low-fat or Greek yogurt are also good alternatives.

• How do I know the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done baking.

Why Nigella Orange And Poppy Seed Cake Is Bright And Fluffy

• Burst with Citrusy Flavor: This orange and poppy seed cake delivers a vibrant, zesty punch that dances on your taste buds with bright, fresh orange notes and subtle nutty poppy seed undertones.
• Beginner Baker's Delight: The straightforward mixing method and simple ingredients make this recipe perfect for novice bakers wanting to build confidence in the kitchen without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Treat for Every Moment: Whether you're craving a morning breakfast slice, afternoon tea companion, or light dessert, this cake adapts beautifully to different occasions and mood.
• Healthier Baking Option: Using yogurt and olive oil creates a moist, tender cake with a lighter profile compared to traditional butter-heavy recipes, offering a more nutritious alternative without sacrificing taste.

Orange And Poppy Seed Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 65-70 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent orange and poppy seed cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table, blending citrus zest with delicate nutty notes. Delightful slices promise a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium organic orange

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/3 cup poppy seeds
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and coat a loaf pan with grease, optionally lining with parchment paper.
2. Combine flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. Massage sugar and orange zest together until the mixture becomes aromatic and the zest releases its essential oils.
4. Whisk orange juice, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate container until thoroughly blended.
5. Incorporate the wet ingredients into the sugar-zest mixture, stirring until well combined.
6. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the liquid mixture, avoiding overmixing to maintain a light texture.
7. Gradually introduce olive oil, continuing to fold until the batter achieves a smooth, glossy consistency.
8. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to level the surface evenly.
9. Bake for 50-55 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and testing with a toothpick for doneness.
10. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Boost orange flavor by adding extra zest or a splash of orange extract for more intense citrusy notes.
• Swap yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt to make the cake vegan-friendly.
• Prevent poppy seeds from sinking by lightly coating them in flour before adding to the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the cake.
• Create a glossy orange glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh orange juice to drizzle over the cooled cake for added sweetness and shine.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 254 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 144 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg