Orange and Poppy Seed Cake

### Instructions for Making Orange and Poppy Seed Cake

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pan**
1. Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

#### **Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients**
1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the **all-purpose flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, **salt**, and **poppy seeds**. Set aside.

#### **Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar**
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the **softened butter** and **granulated sugar** using an electric mixer or by hand with a whisk. Beat for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

#### **Step 4: Add the Eggs and Flavorings**
1. Add the **eggs**, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Stir in the **vanilla extract** and **orange zest**, mixing until fully combined.

#### **Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients**
1. Gradually add the **dry flour mixture** to the wet ingredients, alternating with the **orange juice** and **buttermilk**. Start and end with the flour mixture (i.e., add a third of the dry ingredients, then half the liquids, then another third of the dry, the rest of the liquids, and finish with the remaining dry ingredients).

2. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the batter, as this can make the cake dense. The batter will be thick but smooth.

#### **Step 6: Bake the Cake**
1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

2. Bake in the preheated oven for **30-35 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake should be lightly golden on top and firm to the touch.

#### **Step 7: Cool the Cake**
1. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### **Step 8: Make the Orange Glaze (Optional)**
1. If you’d like to add a glaze for extra sweetness and a citrusy finish, mix the **powdered sugar** and **orange juice** in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more orange juice until you reach the desired consistency.

2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.

#### **Step 9: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Slice and serve the cake, either plain or with the glaze. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee, tea, or as a light dessert after dinner.

### Tips for the Best Orange and Poppy Seed Cake

– **Use Fresh Orange Juice**: Freshly squeezed orange juice offers a brighter, more natural flavor compared to store-bought juice. It makes a big difference in this recipe.
– **Don’t Overmix**: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Over-mixing can result in a dense cake.
– **For Extra Moisture**: If you prefer a slightly moister cake, you can add a tablespoon of vegetable oil along with the butter to give it a little more richness.
– **Gluten-Free Option**: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking to make a gluten-free version of this cake.
– **Serving Suggestions**: This cake is delicious on its own but can also be served with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.

### Why You’ll Love Orange and Poppy Seed Cake

1. **Fresh and Vibrant Flavor**: The combination of sweet and tangy orange with the nutty crunch of poppy seeds is refreshing and delicious, offering a perfect balance of flavors.
2. **Moist and Light**: The buttermilk and fresh juice make the cake incredibly moist, while the poppy seeds give it texture without overwhelming the taste.
3. **Easy to Make**: Despite its elegant flavor, this cake comes together quickly and doesn’t require any special equipment. It’s perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.
4. **Versatile**: Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a brunch gathering, or as an afternoon snack, this cake fits any occasion. Add a glaze for a more refined touch or enjoy it plain for a lighter, simpler treat.

### Conclusion

**Orange and Poppy Seed Cake** is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical. The bright, citrusy notes of orange pair beautifully with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, and the result is a light, moist cake that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving it as a treat for yourself or sharing it with friends and family, this cake is sure to become a new favorite. Easy to make, refreshing, and full of flavor—what more could you ask for in a dessert?

So, next time you’re craving a citrusy cake, whip up this **Orange and Poppy Seed Cake** and let the natural sweetness and light texture do the talking. It’s a dessert that’s as bright as it is delicious!