The Delightful Orange Almond Poppy Seed Cake is a celebration in every slice, combining the zesty tang of fresh oranges, the nutty richness of almonds, and the unique crunch of poppy seeds. This cake is perfect for any special occasion, offering a sophisticated blend of flavors that are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- Zest of one large orange
- 6 large egg whites, room temperature
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp poppy seeds, soaked and strained
- 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
For the Almond Buttercream:
- 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 cups unsalted butter, slightly cold
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
For the Orange Curd:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 3 whole eggs
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold, cut into squares
Directions:
Preparation: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Prep 8-inch cake pans with spray and parchment.
Dry Mix: Whisk cake flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds with orange zest. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg whites and almond extract, mix well.
Combine: Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to creamed butter, ending with flour. Fold in sour cream.
Bake: Divide batter among pans. Bake for 25-30 mins. Cool before inverting.
Buttercream: Beat butter, add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and almond extracts, and whipping cream until fluffy.
Orange Curd: Heat sugar, orange zest, and juice. Whisk in eggs, cook until thick. Add butter, strain, chill 4 hrs.
Assemble: Layer cakes with buttercream and curd. Cover with buttercream.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25-30 mins per layer
Total Time: About 4 hrs 30 mins (including cooling and chilling)
Yield: Serves 12
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Vegetarian
Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to blend smoothly.
- For best flavor, make orange curd a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld together.
FAQs:
Can I substitute the buttermilk? Yes, you can use a mixture of milk and a little lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute for buttermilk.
How can I ensure my cake layers are even? Use a kitchen scale to weigh the batter for each pan to ensure even layers.
What can I do if I don’t have poppy seeds? While poppy seeds add a unique texture and flavor, you can omit them if unavailable, or try using chia seeds for a similar crunch.
Conclusion: The Delightful Orange Almond Poppy Seed Cake is a truly impressive dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. Its blend of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures makes it a standout choice that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to present. This cake promises a deliciously festive experience with every forkful.