The Cheerful Orange Almond Poppy Seed Cake Recipe You’ll Love

A delightful orange almond poppy seed cake promises to craft your baking experience with its vibrant, zesty essence.

Sweet citrus notes dance harmoniously with nutty undertones, creating a sensory symphony that captivates from the first bite.

Delicate crumbs intertwine with crunchy poppy seeds, offering textural intrigue that elevates this dessert beyond ordinary confections.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this cake embodies the perfect balance between rustic charm and elegant refinement.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients whisper stories of sunny orchards and family gatherings, infusing each slice with warmth and nostalgia.

Light, moist, and remarkably fragrant, the recipe beckons home bakers to embrace culinary creativity with confidence.

You’ll fall in love with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

Tips for Baking a Soft, Flavorful Poppyseed Cake

• Zest Intensifier: Grate orange zest directly into dry ingredients to maximize citrus flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Poppy Seed Soak: Soften poppy seeds in warm milk or orange juice for 30 minutes before adding to batter to enhance texture and prevent dry spots.
• Temperature Control: Allow eggs and dairy ingredients to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and more even cake rise.
• Buttercream Perfection: Sift powdered sugar to eliminate lumps and create a silky-smooth frosting with professional-looking finish.
• Curd Consistency Check: Test orange curd's readiness by coating the back of a spoon- it should hold a clear line when you run your finger through it.

Best Storage Practices for Leftover Cake

• Refrigerate: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the delicate cake. For best results, enjoy the cake slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Pairing Suggestions for Citrus Cakes

• Pair with Citrusy White Wine: Complement the orange notes in the cake with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhancing the bright citrus flavors and cutting through the rich buttercream.
• Match with Almond-Infused Beverage: Serve alongside an almond liqueur like Amaretto or an almond milk latte, which will echo the cake's nutty undertones and create a harmonious flavor profile.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy, smooth vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast to the cake's texture, while its subtle sweetness balances the cake's complex citrus and almond notes.
• Accompany with Fresh Berries: Add a side of fresh raspberries or strawberries to introduce a tart, fresh element that cuts through the cake's richness and adds a vibrant color contrast to the plate.

Creative Swaps and Add-Ins for This Cake

• Citrus Poppy Seed Sunrise: Replace orange with lemon zest and juice, adding a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the almond notes perfectly.
• Lavender Honey Whisper: Infuse the cake batter with dried lavender and replace sugar with honey, creating a delicate floral undertone that pairs wonderfully with the almond extract.
• Mediterranean Olive Oil Elegance: Substitute butter with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, introducing a rich, smooth texture and subtle fruity essence to the cake's base.
• Tropical Coconut Dream: Swap buttermilk with coconut milk and add shredded coconut to the batter, transforming the cake into a tropical-inspired sensation that maintains the original's delicate structure.

Orange Almond Poppy Seed Cake Everyone Will Ask For

• Burst of Citrusy Sunshine: This cake delivers a vibrant orange flavor that dances on your taste buds, bringing a refreshing and bright essence to every bite.
• Luxurious Texture Explosion: The combination of light, fluffy cake layers with creamy almond buttercream and silky orange curd creates a multi-dimensional mouthfeel that's both delicate and indulgent.
• Master-Level Flavor Crafting: Carefully layered techniques like soaking poppy seeds, creating homemade orange curd, and whipping buttercream result in a sophisticated dessert that showcases advanced baking skills without feeling intimidating.
• Perfect Showstopper Dessert: Ideal for special occasions like bridal showers, birthday celebrations, or elegant dinner parties where you want to impress guests with a visually stunning and incredibly delicious centerpiece cake.

What You’ll Need to Make This Nutty Citrus Cake

Cake Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:- Cake Flour: Soft, fine flour that creates a tender cake crumb with delicate texture.- Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps cake rise evenly and creates light structure..

• Poppy Seeds: Tiny seeds that add subtle nutty flavor and interesting visual texture to the cake..
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness of the cake..
• Orange Zest: Provides bright, intense citrus aroma and concentrated orange flavor..

Wet Ingredients:- Egg Whites: Provides structure and lightness to the cake, creating airy texture..

• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and subtle tanginess, helps activate baking powder..
• Sour Cream: Increases moisture and creates rich, tender cake crumb..
• Almond Extract: Delivers deep, nutty almond flavor to complement orange notes..

Fat and Sweet Ingredients:- Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create smooth, tender cake texture..

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create soft, delicate crumb..

Buttercream Ingredients:

Fat and Sweet Ingredients:- Unsalted Butter: Creates smooth, creamy base for frosting..

• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve perfect frosting consistency..
• Whipping Cream: Helps create light, fluffy buttercream texture..

Flavor Enhancers:- Vanilla Extract: Adds classic, warm background flavor..

• Almond Extract: Reinforces nutty almond notes in the cake..

Orange Curd Ingredients:

Citrus Base:- Orange Juice: Provides primary citrus flavor and liquid for.

Baking Instructions for Orange Almond Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm oven to 325°F. Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line with parchment paper. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Cake flour
• Baking powder
• Orange zest
• Salt
• Soaked poppy seeds

Whisk together and set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Use electric mixer with paddle attachment. Blend butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Egg Whites

Gradually add egg whites one at a time. Scrape bowl sides between additions. Mix in almond extract. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until mixture becomes lighter and increases in volume.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

On low mixer speed, alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk in three additions. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in Sour Cream

Gently incorporate sour cream into batter.

Step 7: Bake Cake Layers

Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Step 8: Create Almond Buttercream

In stand mixer, beat slightly cold butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mix in vanilla extract, almond extract, and whipping cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Release air pockets by mixing with wooden spoon.

Step 9: Prepare Orange Curd

In saucepan, whisk sugar, orange juice, and zest over medium-low heat. In separate bowl, whisk eggs and egg yolks. Gradually add to sugar mixture, stirring constantly. Cook until thickened like pudding. Remove from heat and whisk in cold butter. Strain through fine-mesh sieve. Chill for at least 4 hours.

Step 10: Assemble Cake

Place first cake layer on plate. Spread buttercream. Pipe buttercream rim and fill with orange curd. Repeat with second layer. Add third layer upside down. Apply thin buttercream crumb coat. Freeze for 15 minutes.

Step 11: Finish Decorating

Add final buttercream layer. Use Wilton 1M tip to pipe decorative swirls.

Step 12: Store and Serve

Refrigerate in airtight container. Bring to room temperature 2-3 hours before serving.

Orange Almond Poppy Seed Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Elegant orange almond poppy seed cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table. Fragrant citrus notes and delicate almond nuances dance together, inviting you to savor each delightful, moist slice with pure pleasure.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (345 g) cake flour
• 1¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup (240 g) buttermilk, at room temperature

Flavoring and Enhancing Ingredients:

• 6 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons (27 g) poppy seeds, soaked in water for 30 minutes, then strained
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 large orange (about 1 tablespoon)

Supplementary Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (10 g) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
• ½ cup (120 g) sour cream, at room temperature

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups (750 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 cups (452 g) unsalted butter, slightly cold

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Main Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 orange)
• ½ cup (124 g) freshly squeezed orange juice

Supplementary Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (56.5

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare cake pans by greasing and lining three 8-inch round pans with parchment paper, then preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Combine cake flour, baking powder, orange zest, salt, and soaked poppy seeds in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate egg whites gradually, mixing completely after each addition and scraping down bowl sides to ensure uniform blending.
5. Mix in almond extract, continuing to beat until mixture becomes pale and voluminous.
6. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter, mixing on low speed and beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
7. Gently fold sour cream into the batter, maintaining its delicate texture.
8. Distribute batter equally among prepared pans, ensuring consistent cake layers.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into cake center.
10. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
11. Prepare buttercream by beating slightly cold butter until light and airy.
12. Gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
13. Blend vanilla extract, almond extract, and whipping cream into buttercream, beating until smooth and fluffy.
14. Create orange curd by whisking sugar, orange juice, and zest in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
15. Temper eggs by slowly adding them to sugar mixture while continuously whisking.
16. Cook mixture until thickened, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
17. Remove from heat and incorporate cold butter pieces, creating a silky texture.
18. Strain curd through fine-mesh sieve and chill for minimum 4 hours.
19. Assemble cake by placing first layer on cake plate and spreading buttercream evenly.
20. Pipe buttercream rim and fill center with orange curd.
21. Repeat layering process with second cake layer.
22. Position final layer upside down and apply thin crumb coat of buttercream.
23. Freeze cake briefly to set crumb coat, then apply final buttercream layer.
24. Decorate with piped buttercream swirls using Wilton 1M tip.
25. Refrigerate cake in airtight container and serve at room temperature after 2-3 hours.

Notes

• Precise measurement and room temperature ingredients ensure a perfectly textured cake with balanced flavors.
• Soaking poppy seeds beforehand helps prevent them from sinking and distributes them evenly throughout the batter.
• Whipping egg whites and butter thoroughly creates a light, airy, and voluminous cake texture.
• Straining orange curd removes any cooked egg bits, resulting in a smooth, silky filling.
• Chilling the cake between frosting layers helps stabilize the structure and prevents sliding.
• Allowing the cake to rest at room temperature before serving enhances its taste and softens the buttercream.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 58 g
• Sodium: 236 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 69 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 129 mg