Poppy Seed Cake

Poppy Seed Cake: A Fragrant and Delicate Delight

Looking for a dessert recipe that will impress and delight your taste buds? Poppy seed cake is the perfect choice! This cake stands out for its contrasting textures and refined flavors, making it ideal for any occasion, from birthdays to festive meals. Additionally, it is a simple yet character-filled recipe that will bring a touch of magic to your kitchen.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

*For the base:*
- 8 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g coconut
- 100 g poppy seeds
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder dissolved in lemon juice

*For the cream:*
- 8 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar
- 400 mL milk
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 package of margarine for baking
- 3 sachets of vanilla sugar

*For the glaze:*
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon margarine

Preparation: Step by Step

1. Preparing the base
Start by preheating the oven to 100°C. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and well-baked base. Then, in a large bowl, add the 8 egg whites and a pinch of salt. Using a mixer, beat the egg whites until foamy. It is important to achieve a firm foam that forms shiny peaks.

2. Adding the sugar
Gradually add the sugar while mixing continuously. This step helps improve the texture of the base, ensuring that the sugar dissolves completely and integrates into the egg whites.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients
Once the egg whites are well beaten, add the coconut, poppy seeds, flour, and the baking powder dissolved in lemon juice. Use a spatula to gently fold in the ingredients, being careful not to lose the air from the egg whites.

4. Baking the base
Grease a baking pan with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake at 100°C with the oven door slightly ajar for 1 hour. Test the base with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is ready. Let it cool in the pan.

5. Preparing the cream
In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until they form a smooth paste. Then, add the milk, flour, and vanilla sugar. Place the mixture in a bain-marie and stir constantly until it thickens. This process will allow the cream to achieve a velvety and rich texture.

6. Finalizing the cream
Once the cream has cooled, add the margarine and mix well until it becomes smooth.

7. Assembling the cake
Once the base has completely cooled, spread the cream evenly over its surface. Place the biscuits in a single layer over the delicious cream.

8. Preparing the glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa, milk, and margarine. Heat the ingredients over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Pour the hot glaze over the biscuits, ensuring even coverage.

9. Final cooling
Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours (ideally overnight) to allow the flavors to develop and the cream to set.

Practical Tips for a Perfect Result

- Choosing ingredients: Use fresh, quality ingredients, especially eggs and milk, to achieve a better-tasting cake.
- Ingredient temperature: Ensure that the eggs are at room temperature before using them for better beating.
- Toothpick test: This is a simple but effective trick to check if the base is done. If you want a moister base, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts or seeds instead of poppy seeds, such as almonds or sesame seeds. Additionally, adding chocolate chips to the cream can add a delicious twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.

2. Can I use duck eggs?
Yes, duck eggs can be used, but keep in mind that they have a stronger flavor.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe can be adapted using flaxseed eggs and vegan margarine.

Delicious Pairings

This poppy seed cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of fragrant tea or a strong espresso. Additionally, a potential enhancement would be to serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for an ideal contrast of textures and flavors.

Conclusion

Poppy seed cake is an excellent choice for those who want to impress without putting in a huge effort. With delicious layers of base, cream, and glaze, this recipe will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. Experiment, adapt, and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!