Orange Cake with Poppy Seeds and Chocolate Sauce

To create a delicious cake that delights everyone's taste buds, we will start by mixing the butter with the sugar. In a large bowl, add 200 g of room temperature butter and 200 g of sugar. Using an electric mixer, mix the mixture for about 2 minutes until you achieve a fine, creamy, and slightly aerated composition. This step is crucial because the air incorporated into the butter will make the cake base fluffier. After the mixture has become homogeneous, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It is important to ensure that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step will contribute to the structure of the cake. Once the eggs are integrated, gradually add 250 g of flour and 10 g of baking powder. Mix at low speed for just a few seconds until the flour is absorbed and the mixture becomes homogeneous. In a small pan, toast the poppy seeds for a few minutes until they become slightly golden to enhance their flavor. Then, add the juice and grated zest of 2 oranges to the batter mixture along with the toasted poppy seeds. Mix again to integrate the flavors. Prepare a round cake pan with a diameter of 20 cm, generously greasing it with butter to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the pan, leveling the surface with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the base for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Meanwhile, prepare the orange sauce. Place the grated zest from the other 2 oranges in a small pot, add 25 g of sugar and 100 ml of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes until a light syrup forms. After boiling, remove the caramelized peels onto a piece of baking paper to cool. When the base is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. It is essential that the base is cold before preparing the chocolate sauce, which will be poured over it. To make the sauce, break the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a bowl, adding 50 g of butter. Heat the cream in a pot, being careful not to let it reach boiling point. Once the cream is warm, pour it over the chocolate and butter. Let the mixture sit for a minute, then mix vigorously until you achieve a smooth and glossy sauce. To decorate the cake, gently turn it onto a plate or cake stand. Pour the chocolate sauce over it, spreading it evenly with a spoon. Finally, add the caramelized orange peels on top for an attractive appearance and a touch of intense flavor. The cake is now ready to be enjoyed, perfect for any special occasion.