Description
A soft, moist Persian-inspired orange cake infused with fragrant cardamom and dotted with delicate poppy seeds. Perfect for afternoon tea, brunch, or an elegant homemade dessert.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon salt
Zest of 2 large oranges
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
½ cup plain yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cardamom, salt, orange zest, and poppy seeds.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the orange juice and plain yogurt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
Add chopped pistachios or sliced almonds for extra crunch.
Drizzle with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice for added sweetness.
Add a splash of rose water or orange blossom water for a more floral flavor.
Serve with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
