Name: Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 47 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest; 3/4 cup oat milk; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons poppyseeds; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons vegan cream cheese; 6 tablespoons vegan butter; 1 1/3 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; Optional: extra poppyseeds and dried orange slices for garnish

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The moment you step into your kitchen and catch the scent of sweet oranges mingling with the warm, nutty aroma of poppy seeds, you know you’re in for a culinary treat. That’s the magic of Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful cake, with its beautifully textured crumb and zesty flavor profile, calls to mind sunlit afternoons and backyard gatherings, where each bite is a celebration. I vividly recall my grandmother whipping this cake up on lazy Sunday mornings, filling the air with sunshine and love.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfect for any season, this cake is particularly lovely in the spring when fresh citrus is in abundance. The vibrant color and fresh flavors make it a standout dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a smile to your face. Trust me, you will want to share this Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting with family and friends, and I can’t wait for you to experience it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This delicious cake comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert.
Irresistible Flavor: Bursting with zesty orange flavor balanced by the crunch of poppy seeds, it’s a true crowd-pleaser.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The gorgeous yellow cake topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting is visually delightful and will impress your guests.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or even a summer picnic, it’s versatile enough to suit any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: With easy swaps, this recipe can be made vegan and dairy-free without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sugar: 2/3 cup of granulated sugar sweetens the cake while allowing the citrus flavors to shine through. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a more earthy sweetness.
Orange Zest: One tablespoon of fresh orange zest is essential—it brings out a beautiful citrus aroma. Always zest your orange before juicing to maximize flavor!
Oat Milk: 3/4 cup of oat milk creates a moist crumb. Feel free to use any non-dairy milk you like, but oat milk adds a lovely creaminess.
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: A 1/4 cup of fresh juice packs a punch of flavor. Bottled juice can work in a pinch but isn’t as vibrant.
Olive Oil: 1/4 cup olive oil keeps the cake moist and tender. Vegetable oil can be used, but for a richer taste, olive oil just can’t be beat.
Vanilla Bean Paste: 2 teaspoons lend a warm, aromatic note. If unavailable, pure vanilla extract is a fine substitute.
All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour forms the cake’s structure. A gluten-free flour blend can be used if needed.
Cornstarch: Adding 2 tablespoons of cornstarch aids in creating a tender crumb and can be swapped with equal parts tapioca flour.
Baking Powder & Soda: 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda give the cake a lovely rise—make sure they’re fresh for best results.
Poppyseeds: 1 1/2 teaspoons provide a delightful crunch; feel free to sprinkle a bit more on top for garnish.
Salt: A small 1/4 teaspoon balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Vegan Cream Cheese: 6 tablespoons are used for the frosting, creating a creamy and rich topping. Feel free to use traditional cream cheese if you prefer.
Vegan Butter: 6 tablespoons help create a fluffy frosting; regular unsalted butter works if you’re not needing a vegan option.
Powdered Sugar: 1 1/3 to 1 1/2 cups helps sweeten the frosting—adjust to your taste.
Optional Garnishes: Consider a sprinkle of extra poppyseeds and dried orange slices for a decorative touch.

How to Make Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly coat the sides with a bit of oil or cooking spray. This step ensures your cake releases easily after baking, resulting in a beautiful presentation.

Combine Wet Ingredients: Start by placing the sugar and orange zest in a large mixing bowl. With your fingers, rub the zest into the sugar—this releases the flavorful oils and infuses the sugar with a lively orange fragrance. Then, mix in the oat milk, freshly squeezed orange juice, olive oil, and vanilla bean paste, whisking until everything is well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl, gently add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, poppyseeds, baking soda, and salt. Stir the mixture with a whisk initially, just until combined. Switch to a spatula for the final mixing to maintain the cake’s light texture, taking care not to over-mix the batter, which can lead to a dense cake.

Bake Until Golden: Pour the fragrant batter into your prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-32 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: After the cake has cooled, it’s time to make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and cornstarch. Using a standing mixer or electric mixer, whip the mixture for about 2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and continue mixing until fully incorporated—a minute or two more for extra fluffiness will be worth it!

Frost and Garnish: Once your cake is cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top, using a cake spatula for a smooth finish. For an appealing touch, sprinkle some additional poppyseeds and adorn with dried orange slices. Then, slice into that beautiful cake, serve, and enjoy the bright flavors!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your leftover Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting fresh, store it covered at room temperature for about 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze your cake, it will hold well for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving. Keep in mind that while freezing maintains flavor, it may affect the texture slightly, but a quick re-whip of the frosting can bring it back to life!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-mixing the batter. This can create a tough texture rather than a light, fluffy cake.
Use room temperature ingredients, especially for the cream cheese frosting, to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
If the cake domes slightly in the center, you can trim it down before frosting for an even finish.
Adjust the sweetness of the frosting by starting with 1 1/3 cups of powdered sugar and adding more to taste based on your personal preference.
Consider making the cake a day ahead; it often tastes better after resting as the flavors meld together beautifully.
To enhance flavors even further, add a splash of almond extract to the frosting for a unique twist!

Imagine the buzz in the air as family and friends gather, drawn by the scent of this delightful cake. The vibrant orange combined with creamy frosting creates not just a dessert but a moment of joy. Don’t hesitate to mix in your own twists; perhaps add in chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate syrup! Whatever you choose, take your time to savor every slice of this delicious Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Enjoy every bite, and let your creativity shine through.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of oat milk?

Absolutely! While oat milk helps keep this cake dairy-free, you can substitute it with any type of milk, whether it’s whole, skim, or another non-dairy option like almond or soy milk. Just remember that different milks might slightly change the flavor and texture, but they will still work beautifully in this recipe.

What’s the best way to store leftover cake?

To store your leftover Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months, tightly wrapped. Just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best results before serving!

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! To make a gluten-free version of this orange poppyseed cake, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend has a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to help maintain the cake’s structure. Adjust baking times as necessary, keeping an eye on the cake until a toothpick comes out clean.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting, start with a lower amount of powdered sugar and gradually add more until it reaches your desired sweetness. You might also consider incorporating a subtle hint of citrus (a touch more orange juice or zest) or a pinch of salt, which can balance out the sweetness beautifully.