Description
This Persian Orange Cake with Cardamom and Poppy Seeds is soft, moist, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor balanced by the warm, floral aroma of cardamom. Perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions, it offers a delicate crumb with a subtle crunch from poppy seeds.
Ingredients
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp ground cardamom
¼ tsp salt
Zest of 2 large oranges
1 tbsp poppy seeds
¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup (180ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
½ cup (120ml) plain yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cardamom, salt, orange zest, and poppy seeds in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the orange juice and yogurt until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 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.
- Serve plain or dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
Freshly squeezed orange juice provides the brightest flavor.
Add chopped pistachios or sliced almonds for extra texture.
For a sweeter finish, drizzle with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.
A pinch of cinnamon pairs well with the cardamom.
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: Baking
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
