The air is filled with a citrusy aroma, a warm hug for your senses. As the Orange Poppyseed Cake bakes in the oven, you can almost taste the sweet, tangy orange notes wafting through your kitchen. Just imagine slicing into that moist cake, revealing a vibrant yellow crumb speckled with tiny, crunchy poppyseeds. With each bite, the creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting melts into the softness of the cake, creating a delightful explosion of flavor that dances on your palate.

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

Growing up, my grandmother made the best orange poppyseed muffins during the sun-drenched mornings of summer. Those bright flavors always transported me back to lazy afternoons spent in the garden, surrounded by blooming flowers. As I recreate that nostalgic recipe in this Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, I find myself smiling at the memories, inviting you to create your own joyous moments around this lovely cake. Whether it’s a casual gathering, a family birthday, or simply a sweet treat after dinner, this cake promises to bring sunshine to your table. So let’s get started—you won’t want to miss this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in no time with just 20 minutes of prep and 30 minutes in the oven!
Irresistible Flavor: The fresh orange juice and zest infuse every bite with bright, tangy sweetness that’s just divine.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its lovely golden hue and charming poppyseed sprinkle, it’s a showstopper on any dessert table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for brunch, as a delightful snack, or even after-dinner treat—it always fits the occasion!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted to be vegan, making it a great option for everyone to enjoy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2/3 cup sugar: This provides sweetness and helps keep the cake moist. Granulated sugar works best, but coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative for a slight caramel flavor.
1 Tablespoon orange zest: The zest from a fresh, large orange adds a vibrant flavor that enhances the overall taste. Be sure to only take the colored part of the peel and not the bitter white pith.
3/4 cup oat milk: A dairy-free option, oat milk gives the cake moisture without overpowering flavors. Almond or soy milk can be used instead.
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Fresh juice ensures a bright, zesty flavor that store-bought juice often lacks. Make sure it’s 100% juice for the best results.
1/4 cup olive oil: Olive oil contributes to a wonderfully moist cake and a touch of richness. Canola or vegetable oil are fine substitutes if desired.
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract): Vanilla adds depth to the flavor; use the paste for specks of vanilla or extract for convenience.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This gives structure to your cake. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
2 Tablespoons cornstarch: This helps to lighten the cake’s texture. You can swap it for arrowroot powder if needed.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Essential for leavening, helping the cake rise beautifully. Make sure it’s fresh for the best lift.
1 1/2 teaspoons poppyseeds: Adds a delightful crunch and a classic poppyseed flavor. Feel free to top with more seeds as a garnish.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda: A little boost for rising, especially in combination with acidic ingredients like orange juice.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
6 Tablespoons vegan cream cheese: For a creamy frosting that keeps the cake luscious and moist, while still being plant-based. Regular cream cheese is a delicious alternative too!
6 Tablespoons vegan butter: Allows for a creamy texture in the frosting. Unsalted butter can also be used if not vegan.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Helps stabilize the frosting for a perfect spreadable texture.
1 1/3-1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a nice, smooth finish. Adjust to your sweetness preference by adding more or less.
1 teaspoon poppyseeds (optional, as garnish): Adds an extra touch of elegance to the frosted cake.
Dried orange slices (optional, as garnish): A beautiful and delicious garnish for a truly stunning presentation.

How to Make Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, and lightly grease the sides to prevent any sticky situations later on. This ensures your cake will slide right out when it’s ready.

Combine Sugar and Zest: In a large bowl, mix the sugar with the orange zest using your fingers to really work in those aromatic oils. This step is crucial as it builds an incredible base flavor for this Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. You’ll notice the sugar takes on a bright, citrusy essence—don’t skip it!

Whisk Wet Ingredients: To the bowl of sugar and zest, add the oat milk, freshly squeezed orange juice, olive oil, and vanilla bean paste. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are combined and evenly mixed. You want to create a lovely citrusy liquid that you’ll fold into the dry ingredients.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl, sprinkle the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, poppyseeds, baking soda, and salt on top of the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together using a spatula, being careful not to overmix. You’re aiming for a thick batter that doesn’t leave any dry flour behind. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

Bake Until Golden: Carefully pour the batter into your prepared springform pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Pop it in the oven to bake at 350°F for about 30-32 minutes or until the edges are golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this stage!

Cool It Down: Once baked, let your cake rest in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. A cooling rack allows air to circulate around the cake, helping it cool evenly. Make sure it cools completely before you start frosting; rushing this could lead to a melty frosting disaster!

Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake cools, whip up the frosting. Start by combining the vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Using a standing mixer or electric mixer, whip the ingredients together for about 2 minutes until they are fluffy and evenly combined.

Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until it is fully incorporated. Continue to whip the frosting for an additional minute or two to fluff it up. The final result should be thick, creamy, and utterly irresistible—a perfect pairing for your Orange Poppyseed Cake.

Frost and Garnish: Once your cake has completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top using a cake spatula. Feel free to be artistic with it! For an added touch, sprinkle some poppyseeds and top with dried orange slices for a beautiful presentation. Slice it up and get ready to see those happy faces!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, keep slices covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to freeze the cake, wrap slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let slices sit at room temperature for a bit, or for a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Keep in mind that while the texture may change slightly, it will still taste delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for the cake and frosting to ensure everything blends smoothly and achieves that ideal creamy texture.
Avoid overmixing your batter, as this can lead to a dense cake versus a fluffy one. Mix just until combined!
If your cake sinks in the middle, it may have been underbaked, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
Consider adding a hint of almond extract to the frosting for an unexpected twist on flavors.
For an even sweeter treat, drizzle some additional orange glaze over the top of the frosted cake!

Curiosity often leads to fun baking adventures! As you make this delightful Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or garnishes. Whether you want to add a hint of spice or switch up the icing, making it your own can lead to delightful surprises. Enjoy every bite, and remember, there’s always room for cake!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! While oat milk gives a nice creamy texture, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or even regular dairy milk if you prefer. Just keep in mind that if you use flavored milk, it may affect the overall taste of the cake.

How do I get the perfect cream cheese frosting consistency?

To achieve that velvety frosting, start with softened cream cheese and butter. Mix them until fluffy before gradually adding powdered sugar. If the frosting is too thick, simply add a splash of plant-based milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until it’s just right.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

You sure can! This Orange Poppyseed Cake can be made a day in advance, and it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store the unfrosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. Frost it just before serving for the freshest taste.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of this cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works in one-to-one ratios. Just be sure to also check that your baking powder and cornstarch are gluten-free to keep everything safe for those avoiding gluten.