Poppy seed cake

Poppy Seed Cake – A Delicacy with an Unmistakable Taste

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10-12

When it comes to desserts, poppy seed cake is a choice that delights with its fluffy texture and distinctive aroma. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a simple family afternoon to special celebrations. Every bite brings a mix of sweet and aromatic flavors that will turn any meal into a feast. So, let’s explore this peaceful yet characterful recipe together!

Ingredients

For the base:
- 8 eggs
- 300 g sugar (200 g for the base and 100 g for the cream)
- 100 g poppy seeds
- 100 g coconut
- 8 tablespoons of flour (5 tablespoons for the base and 3 tablespoons for the cream)
- 200 ml milk
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa

For the egg cream:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- ½ vanilla essence
- 3 tablespoons of flour

Necessary utensils
- Electric mixer
- Baking pan (round or square) greased with oil and lined with flour or baking paper
- Small saucepan
- Double boiler (you can use a larger pot with water and a smaller pot inside)

Preparing the bases

1. Preparing the egg whites:
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Use a large bowl and an electric mixer to beat the egg whites. At first, set the mixer to low speed to avoid splashing. After a minute, increase the speed to medium and gradually add 200 g of sugar. Continue mixing until you achieve a firm and shiny foam. This step is essential for giving the cake an airy texture.

2. Adding the dry ingredients:
Gather your courage! Now is the time to add the dry ingredients. Sift 5 tablespoons of flour over the egg white foam and gently fold with a spatula using light overturning movements (from top to bottom) to avoid deflating the mixture. Then, add the poppy seeds, coconut, and cocoa, mixing again gently.

3. Baking the bases:
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface. Place the pan in the preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if the base is baked using the toothpick test – if it comes out clean, it’s done!

4. Cooling the bases:
Once the base is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the cream

1. Egg cream:
In a small saucepan, mix the egg yolks with 100 g of sugar and the vanilla essence. Add the milk and sprinkle in the 3 tablespoons of flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Place the saucepan over a double boiler and stir constantly until the cream thickens. It’s important to maintain moderate heat to avoid curdling the eggs.

2. Beating the butter:
While the cream cools, use the mixer to beat the butter at room temperature until fluffy. Then, gradually add the cooled egg cream, continuing to mix until you achieve a smooth and airy cream.

Assembling the cake

1. Cutting the base:
Once the base has completely cooled, cut it in half.

2. Spreading the cream:
Place the first half of the base on a platter and spread some of the cream over it. Place the other half of the base on top and cover the cake with the remaining cream.

3. Decorating:
Finally, you can sprinkle a generous layer of grated chocolate on top for an attractive appearance and intense flavor. Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on your preferences.

Useful tips

- Ingredients: Choose fresh ingredients for the best results. Freshly ground poppy seeds have a more intense flavor than store-bought ones.
- Variations: You can add dried fruits or nuts to the batter for a crunchy texture. Additionally, a chocolate glaze on top could turn the cake into a true delight.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or aromatic coffee. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delicious contrast of textures.

Nutritional benefits

Poppy seed cake contains eggs, which are an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients. Poppy seeds are rich in calcium and essential fatty acids, while coconut adds fiber. Overall, this cake can be a healthier choice than many other desserts, given its nutritious ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or margarine to make the cake lighter.

2. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for several days.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it’s recommended to slice it beforehand for easier thawing.

In conclusion, poppy seed cake is not only a delicious dessert but also an opportunity to share special moments with loved ones. So, I wish you great success in making this recipe and hope you enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!