Fluffy Poppy Seed Cake: A Traditional Delight
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2 cakes
Poppy seed cake is a classic recipe that evokes memories of holiday meals and moments spent with loved ones. This delicacy, with its fluffy texture and unmistakable flavor, is perfect for serving at breakfast, as a snack, or as a savory dessert. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a cup of aromatic tea, this cake will bring joy in every bite. Let’s discover together how to prepare it!
Ingredients:
For the dough (for two cakes):
- 150 g sour cream
- 125 g butter (at room temperature)
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon and one orange
- 650 g flour
For the starter:
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 70 ml lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
For the filling:
- 200 g Turkish delight (cut into cubes) and 50 g raisins for one cake
- 2 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons ground walnuts
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Rum essence (to taste)
- 20 g poppy seeds for sprinkling
- Powdered vanilla sugar (for decoration)
Step 1: Preparing the starter
Start by preparing the starter, which will give the cake that fluffy and airy texture. In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in lukewarm water, adding the sugar and tablespoon of flour. Mix gently and let the mixture sit in a warm place for 15-20 minutes, until a nice foam forms on the surface.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, butter, egg yolks, salt, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Add the grated lemon and orange zest to bring extra flavor. Then, add the risen starter and start gradually incorporating the flour. Knead the dough until it separates from your hands and the bowl's sides. If you prefer, you can use a bread machine on the kneading and rising program (about one and a half hours).
Step 3: First rise
Once the dough is well kneaded, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume.
Step 4: Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then incorporate cocoa powder, ground walnuts, one tablespoon of flour, and rum essence. Mix gently to obtain a homogeneous composition.
Step 5: Assembling the cakes
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal pieces. Roll out each piece on a lightly floured surface, then fill one cake with Turkish delight and raisins, and the other with the cocoa and walnut filling. Carefully roll each piece of dough into a log and place them in greased baking trays.
Step 6: Second rise
Let the cakes rise again for 30 minutes, covered with a damp towel, to retain moisture.
Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Beat the remaining egg whites until stiff and brush the cakes with them. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top for a crunchy note. Bake the cakes for about 30 minutes or until golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cooling and serving
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool on a rack. Cover them with a towel to prevent drying. Once completely cooled, dust them with powdered vanilla sugar, to taste.
Serve with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee, and each bite will bring a smile to your face. The poppy seed cake is also perfect to give as a gift to loved ones!
Nutritional benefits:
This cake is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy, while the nuts add healthy fats and protein. It also contains vitamins and minerals from the citrus zest, which contribute to a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about half the amount indicated for fresh yeast (10 g).
2. How can I preserve the cake?
The cake can be kept in an airtight container or wrapped in cling film at room temperature. It can also be frozen for later consumption.
3. What other fillings can I use?
Instead of Turkish delight and raisins, you can use jams, chocolate, or even dried fruits to add a personal touch to the cake.
This poppy seed cake recipe is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to spend time in the kitchen. Try it, and you’ll discover how easy it is to bring joy every day!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2 cakes
Poppy seed cake is a classic recipe that evokes memories of holiday meals and moments spent with loved ones. This delicacy, with its fluffy texture and unmistakable flavor, is perfect for serving at breakfast, as a snack, or as a savory dessert. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a cup of aromatic tea, this cake will bring joy in every bite. Let’s discover together how to prepare it!
Ingredients:
For the dough (for two cakes):
- 150 g sour cream
- 125 g butter (at room temperature)
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon and one orange
- 650 g flour
For the starter:
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 70 ml lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
For the filling:
- 200 g Turkish delight (cut into cubes) and 50 g raisins for one cake
- 2 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons ground walnuts
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Rum essence (to taste)
- 20 g poppy seeds for sprinkling
- Powdered vanilla sugar (for decoration)
Step 1: Preparing the starter
Start by preparing the starter, which will give the cake that fluffy and airy texture. In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in lukewarm water, adding the sugar and tablespoon of flour. Mix gently and let the mixture sit in a warm place for 15-20 minutes, until a nice foam forms on the surface.
Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, butter, egg yolks, salt, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Add the grated lemon and orange zest to bring extra flavor. Then, add the risen starter and start gradually incorporating the flour. Knead the dough until it separates from your hands and the bowl's sides. If you prefer, you can use a bread machine on the kneading and rising program (about one and a half hours).
Step 3: First rise
Once the dough is well kneaded, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume.
Step 4: Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then incorporate cocoa powder, ground walnuts, one tablespoon of flour, and rum essence. Mix gently to obtain a homogeneous composition.
Step 5: Assembling the cakes
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal pieces. Roll out each piece on a lightly floured surface, then fill one cake with Turkish delight and raisins, and the other with the cocoa and walnut filling. Carefully roll each piece of dough into a log and place them in greased baking trays.
Step 6: Second rise
Let the cakes rise again for 30 minutes, covered with a damp towel, to retain moisture.
Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Beat the remaining egg whites until stiff and brush the cakes with them. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top for a crunchy note. Bake the cakes for about 30 minutes or until golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cooling and serving
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool on a rack. Cover them with a towel to prevent drying. Once completely cooled, dust them with powdered vanilla sugar, to taste.
Serve with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee, and each bite will bring a smile to your face. The poppy seed cake is also perfect to give as a gift to loved ones!
Nutritional benefits:
This cake is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy, while the nuts add healthy fats and protein. It also contains vitamins and minerals from the citrus zest, which contribute to a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about half the amount indicated for fresh yeast (10 g).
2. How can I preserve the cake?
The cake can be kept in an airtight container or wrapped in cling film at room temperature. It can also be frozen for later consumption.
3. What other fillings can I use?
Instead of Turkish delight and raisins, you can use jams, chocolate, or even dried fruits to add a personal touch to the cake.
This poppy seed cake recipe is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to spend time in the kitchen. Try it, and you’ll discover how easy it is to bring joy every day!