Poppy seed cake with vanilla pudding

Poppy Seed Tart with Vanilla Pudding – a culinary delight perfect for any occasion! This recipe combines the crunchy texture of the crust with a creamy, flavorful filling, providing a memorable tasting experience. Whether you're making it for a gathering with friends, a family party, or simply to treat yourself, this tart is sure to be a hit. Let’s discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients:

For the crust:
- 200 g margarine (or butter for a richer flavor)
- 200 g sugar
- 375 g flour
- 1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- 1 egg

For the filling:
- 200 g poppy seeds (or 150 g poppy seeds and 50 g ground walnuts for a more complex flavor)
- 150 g sugar
- 750 ml milk
- About 120 g vanilla pudding (Custard is recommended for a smooth texture)
- Zest of one lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla sugar

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Preparing the crust:
I recommend starting with the crust, as it will need some resting time. In a large bowl, cream the margarine (or butter) at room temperature with the sugar using a mixer or spatula until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This step is important, as the air incorporated will help achieve a lighter crust.

Add the egg, vanilla, and salt, continuing to mix until the ingredients are fully combined. Once the mixture is homogeneous, sift in the flour along with the baking powder. Begin adding the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or your hands until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and your hands. Do not knead too much, or the crust will become tough!

2. Resting the dough:
After achieving a uniform dough, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This time will allow the gluten in the flour to relax, making the dough easier to work with.

3. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, you can prepare the filling. In a saucepan, combine the poppy seeds, sugar, vanilla pudding, lemon zest, and milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly to avoid lumps. When the mixture begins to boil and thickens, remove it from the heat. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top.

4. Preparing the pan:
While the filling cools, prepare a springform pan with a diameter of about 25 cm. Grease the bottom and sides of the pan with margarine or butter to prevent sticking.

5. Assembling the tart:
Take 3/4 of the rested dough and press it into the pan, evenly covering the bottom and sides, leaving a thickness of about 3 cm. Pour the cooled poppy seed filling into the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

To finish, take the remaining 1/4 of the dough and crumble it over the filling with your fingers. Alternatively, you can grate the dough on a large-holed grater for a more interesting appearance and a crunchy texture.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and place the pan in the oven. Bake the tart for about 45 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch.

After baking, let the tart cool in the pan, then carefully remove it and place it on a serving plate. Once it has completely cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant and delicious finish.

7. Serving:
The poppy seed tart with vanilla pudding can be served plain or alongside a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast. You can also add some fresh fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, for an extra pop of color and freshness.

Helpful Tips:
- Poppy Seeds: Ensure the poppy seeds are fresh and of good quality. Fresh poppy seeds have a stronger flavor and will make the tart more delicious.
- Pudding: You can experiment with different types of pudding, such as chocolate or caramel pudding, to slightly change the tart's flavor.
- Variations: If you want to add extra flavor, you can incorporate some ground nuts or almonds into the filling, which will add a crunchy texture.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
A serving of poppy seed tart with vanilla pudding (approximately 1/12 of the tart) contains around 300 calories, being a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats, especially if you use butter instead of margarine. Poppy seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants, and they also provide a good amount of fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier crust, but keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different.

- How can I store the tart?
The tart stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can gently reheat it in the oven before serving.

- Can the tart be frozen?
Yes, the tart can be frozen, but it's best to do so without dusting it with powdered sugar. Allow it to thaw at room temperature before serving.

I encourage you to try this simple and delicious poppy seed tart with vanilla pudding recipe! It will surely become a favorite in your home. It can be a quick and elegant dessert for any occasion, and its flavor will remind you of joyful moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy!