Orange Poppy Seed Cake

In the Signature Style of Chef Muassab Pasha

Definition

Orange Poppy Seed Cake is a soft, moist citrus cake flavored with fresh orange juice and zest, combined with delicate poppy seeds for a light nutty texture. It is layered with creamy filling and finished with a fresh citrus glaze.

It is known for its:

• Soft and tender crumb
• Fresh orange aroma
• Light crunch from poppy seeds
• Balanced sweetness
• Elegant layered look

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History

Poppy seeds have been widely used in European baking, especially in Austrian and German desserts. Citrus cakes became popular in Mediterranean regions where oranges were easily available.

The combination of orange and poppy seeds became fashionable in modern European and American tea cakes during the 20th century. Today, it is considered a refined yet simple cake perfect for tea gatherings and special occasions.

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Recipe

Two 8-inch Round Pans

Preheat oven to 175°C
Grease and line pans.

Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour – 165g (1½ cups)
Poppy Seeds – 10g (1 tbsp)
Baking Powder – 5g (1 tsp)
Baking Soda – 2.5g (½ tsp)
Salt – 1.5g (¼ tsp)
Unsalted Butter (soft) – 113g (½ cup)
Fine Sugar – 150g (¾ cup)
Eggs – 2 large
Fresh Orange Juice – 120g (½ cup)
Sour Cream – 125g (½ cup)
Vanilla Essence – 1 tsp (4g)
Orange Zest – 1 tbsp (6g)

Method

• Preheat oven to 175°C and prepare two 8-inch pans.

• Mix flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

• In another bowl, mix orange juice, orange zest, sour cream, and vanilla.

• In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

• Add eggs one at a time and beat well.

• Add dry ingredients and orange mixture into the butter mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

• Divide batter into two pans.

• Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Cool completely before assembling.

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Cream Cheese Filling

Cream Cheese – 125g (½ cup)
Unsalted Butter – 57g (¼ cup)
Powdered Sugar – 65g (½ cup)
Vanilla Essence – 1 tsp
Orange Zest – 1 tsp

Filling Method

• Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and zest. Beat until creamy.
• Spread on first layer, place second layer, and spread again.

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Citrus Glaze

Powdered Sugar – 130g (1 cup)
Fresh Orange Juice – 30g (2 tbsp)
Orange Zest – 1 tsp

Glaze Method

• Mix all ingredients until smooth.

• Pour over cake and allow it to drip naturally.

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Storage

.Refrigerate
in airtight container for up to 5 days.

.Freeze without glaze for up to 1 month.