Poppy Seed Cake

Poppy Seed Cake: a delicacy with a distinctive flavor and slightly moist texture, perfect for enjoying at breakfast or as an afternoon snack. This recipe is a perfect combination of the sweetness of sugar and the slight bitterness of poppy seeds, and each slice is a true indulgence. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious dessert step by step.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 slices (3 cakes)

Ingredients

For the cakes:
- 440 g flour
- 400 g butter (at room temperature)
- 360 g sugar
- 8 eggs
- 1 packet baking powder
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons poppy seeds
- Zest of 1 lemon

For the glaze syrup:
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons water
- Juice of 1 lemon

Recipe Story

Poppy seed cake is a traditional recipe that has been cherished by generations, bringing a touch of nostalgia in every bite. Poppy seeds, with their unique flavor and crunchy texture, have been used in both sweet and savory dishes throughout history. This recipe offers a perfect combination of flavors, and the lemon syrup adds a refreshing note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake.

Preparing the Cake

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs. This will help achieve a more homogeneous texture.

2. Making the butter cream: In a large bowl, add the soft butter, sugar, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and lemon zest. Using a mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed until the mixture becomes a fluffy cream. This step is essential for achieving an airy cake.

3. Adding the yolks: Add the egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. This will help emulsify the mixture.

4. Including the poppy seeds: Once the yolks are well integrated, add the 6 tablespoons of poppy seeds. Gently mix to distribute them evenly in the batter.

5. The flour and egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Alternate adding the flour and the beaten egg whites to the butter mixture, folding gently with a spatula to avoid deflating the egg whites. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy cake.

6. Preparing the pans: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease 3 loaf pans with butter and dust with flour or line with parchment paper. Evenly distribute the batter among the 3 pans.

7. Baking: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Preparing the Glaze Syrup

1. Boiling the ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix the 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar with 4 tablespoons of water. Place over low heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

2. Adding the lemon: Once the sugar has melted, add the lemon juice and mix well. Let the syrup boil for a few minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Glazing the cakes: As soon as the cakes are out of the oven, pour the lemon syrup over them. This will add a delicious flavor and keep the cakes moist.

Cooling and Serving

Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Wait for them to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Poppy seed cake is excellent served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. It can also be accompanied by a spoonful of peach jam or vanilla sauce to add an extra touch of flavor.

Variations and Tips

- Ingredient variations: You can experiment by adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cake batter for a different texture.
- Chocolate cake: If you're a chocolate lover, add some dark chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent cake.
- Storage: Poppy seed cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Nutritional Information

A slice of poppy seed cake (approximately 100 g) contains about 350 calories, 25 g of fat, 30 g of carbohydrates, and 5 g of protein. It is a good source of energy, but moderate consumption is recommended due to its caloric content.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour, but the texture of the cake will be different.
- What can I use instead of butter? You can use margarine or coconut oil, but it will slightly change the flavor and consistency.
- Is this cake suitable for diets? While it is delicious, it is high in calories, so it is recommended to consume it in moderation, especially if you are following a low-calorie diet.

This poppy seed cake is not just a simple recipe, but also a perfect way to bring a touch of joy to every day. Its unmistakable taste and fresh lemon aroma make it ideal for indulgent moments. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!