Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Mascarpone Frosting is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the zesty brightness of orange with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. The creamy mascarpone frosting adds an elegant finish, making this cake a showstopper for any gathering or a sweet indulgence for a cozy afternoon.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 360
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
Why Make This Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Mascarpone Frosting
This cake is a wonderful blend of textures and flavors. The moist, fluffy cake infused with fresh orange zest and juice offers a refreshing taste that brightens your palate. Poppy seeds add a delightful crunch, while the mascarpone frosting creates a creamy, rich layer that perfectly complements the cake’s citrus notes. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience that transports you to a sunny orchard with every bite!
How to Make Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Mascarpone Frosting
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup poppy seeds
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan to ensure your cake comes out easily once baked.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
Step 3: Cooking
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Gently fold in the orange zest and juice to incorporate those bright, citrus flavors. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 4: Finishing
To prepare the frosting, whip the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. Once the cake is completely cool, generously spread the mascarpone frosting on the top and sides. Serve and enjoy this luscious dessert!
How to Serve Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Mascarpone Frosting
This cake is perfect for various occasions—be it a brunch gathering, birthday celebration, or an afternoon tea. Slice it into generous pieces and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of additional poppy seeds on top for an elegant presentation. A cup of herbal tea or a glass of sparkling lemonade pairs wonderfully with this cake.
How to Store Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Mascarpone Frosting
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. For freezing, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Note that the frosting may lose some texture after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Expert Tips for Perfect Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Mascarpone Frosting
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning, as this helps in achieving a fluffy batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients, as this can make your cake dense.
- Use fresh oranges for the best flavor from both the zest and the juice.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Delicious Variations
- Add a layer of orange curd between the cake layers for an extra citrus burst.
- Incorporate blueberries or raspberries for a twist on the flavor profile.
- Substitute the mascarpone cheese with cream cheese for a tangier frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I substitute the poppy seeds?
Yes, you can omit the poppy seeds if you prefer a smoother texture, or try using chia seeds for a similar crunch. - How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for texture. - What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
Cream cheese can be used as a substitute, but consider adjusting the sugar as cream cheese is tangier. - How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Properly grease and flour your pan, and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper for added insurance. - Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, this cake can be frozen without the frosting. Wrap it tightly before freezing to maintain its moisture.
Conclusion
The Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Mascarpone Frosting is a delightful treat that promises to brighten your day with its refreshing flavors and creamy texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to indulge in a sweet moment, this cake is sure to impress. Gather your ingredients and create this masterpiece—you’ll be thrilled with the results!
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Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Mascarpone Frosting
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful cake balancing zesty orange flavors with poppy seeds and creamy mascarpone frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup poppy seeds
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
- Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.
- Fold in orange zest and juice. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack completely.
- For the frosting, whip mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread frosting on the cooled cake and serve.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, use fresh oranges. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
