Poppy seed cake

Poppy Seed Cake - a Perfect Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Today I invite you to discover a truly special recipe - poppy seed cake. This cake, with its rich flavor and moist texture, is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to impress your guests or simply indulge in a delicious dessert at home. Poppy seeds are not just an aromatic ingredient, but also one with a rich nutritional content, full of antioxidants, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Necessary Ingredients

- 250 g soft margarine (at room temperature)
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 250 ml sparkling water
- 350 g flour
- 100 g ground nuts
- 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 100 g dark or cooking chocolate
- 50 g margarine (for glazing)
- Almonds for decoration

Necessary Utensils

- Large mixing bowl
- Mixer or spatula
- Baking tray (dimensions 20x30 cm)
- Baking paper
- Pot for bain-marie
- Knife for cutting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the mixture:
In a large bowl, add 250 g of soft margarine. It is important for the margarine to be at room temperature for easy incorporation. Add 150 g of powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and a packet of vanilla sugar. Using a mixer, mix the ingredients well until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream. This step is essential to ensure an airy texture for the cake.

2. Enriching the mixture:
Gradually add 250 ml of sparkling water while continuing to mix. The sparkling water will add a note of effervescence and make the cake fluffier. Once homogenized, start integrating the other ingredients: 350 g of flour, 100 g of ground nuts, 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of baking powder. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

3. Baking the cake:
Prepare the baking tray by lining it with baking paper. Pour the mixture evenly into the tray and level the surface with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Preparing the glaze:
After the cake has completely cooled, prepare the glaze. In a bain-marie pot, melt the 50 g of margarine together with 100 g of dark or cooking chocolate. Stir constantly until you achieve a fluid and shiny consistency.

5. Finalizing the cake:
Pour the hot glaze over the cooled cake, making sure it spreads evenly across the entire surface. Allow the glaze to set, then cut the cake into squares. For an elegant look, decorate each portion with a few almonds.

Useful Tips for a Perfect Result

- Choose quality ingredients: Use good quality chocolate to achieve a delicious glaze.
- Check the baking: Every oven bakes differently, so check the cake 5-10 minutes before the indicated time.
- Delicious variations: You can experiment with other types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or pecans, to add a personalized touch. You can also replace poppy seeds with sesame seeds or flax seeds for a different flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

The poppy seed cake is not just a tasty dessert, but also a nutritious one. Poppy seeds are an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, iron, and essential fatty acids. Nuts add protein and fiber, making this dessert a healthier choice when you want to indulge.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use oil instead of margarine? Yes, you can use oil, but the texture of the cake will be different.
- How long does the cake keep? The cake keeps well at room temperature for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but to maintain the texture, it is recommended to cut it into portions before freezing.

Serving and Pairings

This poppy seed cake pairs perfectly with a cup of green tea or a flavorful espresso. Serve it as a dessert after a hearty meal or enjoy it alongside a good book on a relaxing afternoon.

I hope you will love this poppy seed cake recipe as much as I do. It’s a dessert that will bring a smile to anyone’s face, and its aroma will envelop the entire house. Enjoy!