Fluffy and tasty poppy seed cake

Fluffy and Tasty Poppy Seed Cake: A Traditional Recipe for Unforgettable Moments

Poppy seed cake is a classic delight, often associated with holidays and family gatherings. This simple and accessible recipe will help you prepare two fluffy cakes that will fill your home with an inviting aroma and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Moreover, it doesn't require a large financial effort and can be prepared in a relatively short time. Let's embark on the journey into the world of poppy seed cake!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16 slices (2 cakes)

Ingredients for the cake:
- 100 g butter
- 100 g sugar
- 200 ml milk
- 600 g all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 eggs
- 50 g fresh yeast
- a pinch of salt

Ingredients for the poppy seed filling:
- 250 g poppy seeds
- 250 g sugar
- 200 ml milk
- 2-3 packets of vanilla sugar
- rum essence (to taste)

Ingredients for brushing the cakes:
- 1 egg with a little milk

1. Preparing the dough:

To achieve a fluffy cake, the secret lies in properly preparing the dough. Start by activating the yeast: in a small bowl, mix 50 g of fresh yeast with a tablespoon of sugar and 50 ml of warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.

In another bowl, melt 100 g of butter over low heat and let it cool slightly. Add 100 g of sugar and 200 ml of warm milk, mixing well to obtain a homogeneous mixture. It is important that the milk is warm, not hot, so as not to kill the yeast.

In a large bowl, sift 600 g of flour and add the pinch of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the activated yeast mixture, the milk mixture, and the beaten eggs (2 eggs). Knead the dough well for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the poppy seed filling:

Meanwhile, let's prepare the poppy seed filling. In a saucepan, add 250 g of washed poppy seeds, 250 g of sugar, and 200 ml of milk. Cook the mixture over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. When the poppy seeds become soft, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the filling cool. Once cooled, add the vanilla sugar and rum essence to taste, mixing well.

3. Shaping the cakes:

After the dough has risen, divide it into four equal pieces. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to form two braided cakes or four simple cakes. If you opt for braided cakes, roll each piece into a rectangle. Spread the poppy seed filling evenly over the dough surface, then roll it tightly. Place the rolled dough in a loaf pan, greased and lined with parchment paper.

4. Brushing and baking:

To achieve a golden and shiny crust, beat an egg with a little milk and brush the cakes on top. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cakes for 40-45 minutes or until they are golden and pass the toothpick test (if it comes out clean, the cake is ready).

5. Serving:

Once the cakes have cooled, cut them into generous slices and serve them with a warm tea or a cup of milk. They are just as good the next day, if any are left! You can also add a fruit jam or a spoonful of honey on the side for extra flavor.

Practical tips:

- Always use quality ingredients, such as fresh butter and sifted flour.
- If you want a more aromatic cake, you can add lemon or orange zest to the poppy seed filling.
- You can experiment with alternative fillings, such as ground nuts or chocolate, to diversify the recipe.

Nutritional information:

Poppy seed cake is a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats due to the butter and poppy seeds. It is a hearty dessert, perfect for festive meals. Each slice contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used.

Poppy seed cake is not just a delicious dessert, but also a way to gather the family around the table. Try this simple and quick cake recipe and turn every special occasion into a memorable moment!

 Ingredients: The composition of the sweet bread is made from 100g butter, 100g sugar, 200ml milk, 600g flour, 2 eggs, 50g fresh yeast, and a pinch of salt. The poppy seed filling is made from: 250g poppy seeds, 250g sugar, 200ml milk, 2-3 packets of vanilla sugar, and rum essence to taste. For brushing the sweet breads: 1 egg with a little milk.

 Tags:  sweet bread mac