Name: Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; Zest of 1 large orange; 1 cup unsweetened oat milk; 1 cup fresh orange juice; 1/2 cup light olive oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 2 tablespoons poppyseeds; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese; 1/4 cup vegan butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; Dried orange slices; Extra poppyseeds for garnish

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There’s something incredibly enchanting about the aroma of orange zest wafting through your kitchen. It’s bright, uplifting, and, much like a gentle hug on a sunny morning, it brings joy with every whiff. Imagine a beautifully moist cake, bursting with the fresh flavors of oranges and adorned with a creamy frosting that’s as smooth as silk. The texture of the Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting melts in your mouth, with each bite delivering a delightful crunch from the poppy seeds. It’s not just a cake; it’s a celebration of flavor, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy brunch with friends or a simple weekday treat. When I bake this cake, it’s hard not to be swept back to my childhood, where warm, fresh baked goods filled the air, making the house feel like home.

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

Gather your loved ones and bring the bright flavors of this versatile cake into your life. I promise, the happiness you’ll bring to your table with this recipe is worth it! Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on this zesty adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This cake comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for quick treat-making!
Irresistible Flavor: The bright zest and sweet orange juice create a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds!
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its cheerful color and smooth, creamy frosting make it a showstopper at any gathering.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this cake fits any occasion beautifully.
Diet-Friendly Options: With easy vegan adaptations, everyone can enjoy a slice!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is essential to sweeten the cake and enhance the other flavors. Feel free to use coconut sugar for a deeper caramel note.
Orange Zest: The zest from one large orange brings a burst of flavor; always zest before juicing for the best results.
Oat Milk: Use unsweetened oat milk for a creamy texture; almond or soy milk can work too if you prefer.
Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is key for a vibrant taste—bottled juice never quite captures that freshness.
Olive Oil: A light olive oil keeps the cake moist; canola or vegetable oil can also be used if preferred.
Vanilla Bean Paste: This adds a rich, aromatic flavor. If you don’t have it, vanilla extract would work just fine.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cake; for a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Cornstarch: Mixed with flour, it makes the cake nice and tender.
Baking Powder: This is your leavening agent, ensuring your cake rises beautifully.
Poppyseeds: These tiny seeds add a lovely crunch and visual appeal; skip if you prefer a simple, smooth cake.
Baking Soda & Salt: Both help with leavening and enhance flavor.
Vegan Cream Cheese: Essential for the frosting; choose a brand you enjoy for the best flavor.
Vegan Butter: This provides a creamy richness to the frosting. A good quality alternative to regular butter will work well.
Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and smooth texture in the frosting. Adjust the amount to achieve desired sweetness.
Dried Orange Slices & Extra Poppyseeds: Optional garnishes that add a lovely touch and additional texture.

How to Make Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, making sure to lightly grease the sides to prevent sticking. This is a crucial step for ensuring your beautiful cake comes out intact.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and orange zest. Using your fingers, rub the zest into the sugar to release the essential oils, which intensifies the flavor. Next, whisk in oat milk, freshly squeezed orange juice, olive oil, and vanilla bean paste until well blended. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant!

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, poppyseeds, and salt. These dry ingredients are vital for giving the cake structure and lightness.

Fold Together Gently: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. You want a thick batter without any dry pockets, so be careful not to over-mix. The texture should be thick yet pourable.

Bake Until Golden: Pour the cake batter into your prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-32 minutes until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The fragrant aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer it onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before frosting to ensure your cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: When the cake has cooled, it’s time for the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the vegan butter, cream cheese, and cornstarch using a stand or electric mixer for about 2 minutes until fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Whip for an additional minute for extra fluffiness!

Frost and Garnish: Spread the fluffy cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled orange poppyseed cake using a cake spatula. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with a few extra poppyseeds and garnish with dried orange slices, if desired. Slice, serve, and watch everyone smile!

Storing & Reheating

To maintain the flavor and freshness of your Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it and it will last up to one week. You can also freeze the cake; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. The texture may change slightly, but a quick reheat will refresh that delightful moistness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Watch that Oven: Every oven is different. Check for doneness a couple of minutes before the timer goes off to avoid overbaking.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture in your frosting, ensure your vegan butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing.
Don’t Rush the Cooling: Always let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent a gooey mess!
Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter for added texture and flavor!
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar in the frosting to suit your taste—everyone loves their frosting a bit differently.
Make Ahead: The cake can be made ahead of time without the frosting, making it a perfect treat for busy days.

The Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting isn’t just an indulgence; it’s a blend of delightful textures and vibrant flavors that will bring a smile to anyone’s face. Feel free to adapt the recipe, swap ingredients, or try different toppings to suit your taste. Enjoy every moist slice and don’t forget to share the joy of this beautiful cake!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well as a substitute for all-purpose flour in this Orange Poppyseed Cake. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a touch yourself for better structure.

What can I use if I can’t find vegan cream cheese?

If vegan cream cheese isn’t available, you can opt for a homemade frosting using blended silken tofu with powdered sugar and a bit of lemon juice for tanginess. It gives a nice creamy texture and flavor.

How do I ensure my cake is moist?

Proper measuring of ingredients and avoiding overmixing are key! Also, make sure to let your cake cool completely before frosting to retain moisture.

Can I make this cake a day in advance?

Definitely! This cake actually tastes better when made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and frost it right before serving for that perfect fresh touch!