Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Buttercream Frosting

The Estate Bakery

Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Buttercream Frosting

The Strategy:

A stately layer cake is the ultimate centerpiece for an elegant gathering, and this Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Buttercream Frosting is a bright, summery showstopper. Infused with the fresh, sun-kissed citrus of orange juice and zest, these tender layers are enriched with Greek yogurt and a touch of almond flour for an exceptionally moist and delicate crumb studded with poppy seeds. Assembled with layers of velvety vanilla-almond buttercream and sweet, vibrant orange marmalade, this cake is an absolute triumph of sophisticated textures and sunny flavors that brings a touch of Palm Beach luxury to any celebration.

Serves: a crowd | Total Time: about 2 hours, including cake cooling and decorating

Ingredients

Cake - Dry Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon baking soda

Cake - Liquid and Fats

2 ½ cups of granulated sugar
1 ½ cups vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
1 cup almond flour

Cake - Flavorings

zest of two oranges, about ¼ cup
juice of two oranges, about ½ cup
¼ cup poppy seeds
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting

6 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature, 3 sticks
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract

Assembly and Decoration

1 cup orange marmalade
sprinkles

The raw ingredients (mise en place) for an Orange Poppy Seed Cake, arranged on a white marble countertop. Organized in small white porcelain and crystal bowls are: all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, baking soda, granulated sugar, vegetable oil in a small glass pitcher, fresh eggs, plain whole-milk Greek yogurt, almond flour, whole fresh oranges with vibrant green leaves, bright yellow-orange orange zest, fresh squeezed orange juice, dark poppy seeds in a crystal dish, vanilla extract, and confectionery sugar.

Instructions

Make cake batter

Preheat your oven to 350°.
Coat 3 (8 x 2-inch) round or square cake pans with vegetable oil spray. Cut out parchment paper to fit the bottom of each pan. Lay the parchment paper in the pan and spray again.
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and baking soda in a bowl.
In a larger bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and oil until combined.
Add the eggs one at a time.
Whisk in the yogurt, almond flour, orange zest and juice, poppy seeds, and vanilla extract.
Sprinkle the flour mixture over the top of the batter.
Whisk until just combined.

Bake and cool cake layers

Pour into the prepared pans.
Bake until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden, 30 to 35 minutes.
Remove from the oven and cool on baking racks for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the cakes from the pan, remove the parchment paper, and cool completely on baking racks.

Make frosting and assemble cake

For the frosting, add the confectioners’ sugar, butter, and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer. Mix to combine.
Add the heavy cream, vanilla, and almond extracts. Beat until creamy.
To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on your platter.
Spread with a layer of buttercream frosting.
Top with a layer of orange marmalade.
Top the first layer of cake with a second cake and repeat with frosting and marmalade.
Put the third cake on the top.
Coat the sides and top of the cake with frosting.
Decorate with sprinkles.

Clean hands gently folding a mountain of bright orange zest and dark blue-black poppy seeds into a thick, creamy, pale-yellow cake batter inside a large white ceramic mixing bowl using a polished wooden spoon. The lighting is warm and bright, highlighting the beautiful texture of the batter.

The full recipe lives in the Vault

Ingredients, step-by-step method, and every chef-tested detail are reserved for members of the Estate Registry.

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The Heart of the Table

Baking a magnificent three-layer cake from scratch is a beautiful, meditative act of love that fills the home with the comforting, sunny aroma of fresh citrus and warm vanilla. In the rhythmic process of whisking, folding, and layering, we find a peaceful tempo that invites us to slow down and savor the present moment. When we slice into this gorgeous cake and present it to our friends and family, we are offering more than just a sweet treat; we are creating a luxurious, welcoming space where laughter flows easily and conversation lingers. These shared moments of pure delight, gathered around a table filled with sunshine and neighborly grace, are the true thread that binds our hearts and builds a lasting legacy of connection.

Exactly eight young adult guests enjoying slices of Orange Poppy Seed Cake together. They are gathered around a dressed glass and wrought-iron table on a breezy, sun-drenched Palm Beach Estate veranda overlooking a lush tropical garden at golden hour. On the table are fine porcelain plates with slices of cake, a crystal cake stand, and chilled glasses of sparkling beverage.

Neighborly Grace

THE PRESENTATION: Serve a towering, elegant slice of this three-layer cake on a fine porcelain plate, displaying the stunning layers of soft poppy seed sponge, creamy buttercream, and glossy orange marmalade. Garnish with a thin twist of fresh orange peel and a delicate dusting of sprinkles or a sprig of fresh mint.
THE POUR: A glass of chilled, sweet Grand Marnier, a bubbly Mimosa spritzer, or a cup of hot Earl Grey tea infused with a splash of fresh orange juice.
THE VIBE: A sun-draped Palm Beach loggia as the afternoon winds down, where the breeze is thick with the scent of saltwater and blooming orange blossoms. The table is a beautiful tapestry of soft linen, citrus leaves, and vintage amber glassware casting long, warm shadows across the terracotta tiles. Conversations have settled into that easy, comfortable cadence that only comes with old friends, drifting on the soft hum of cicadas and the distant, rhythmic crash of the Atlantic surf.

Chef’s Recommendations

Orange in a Glass: Blood Orange & Sage Old Fashioned
The Other Sweet: Southern Walnut and Pecan Baklava
What to Serve With It: Chamomile Honey Ice Cream with a Peach Swirl
The Cookie Beside It: Big, Soft Ginger Cookies

The Estate Table

Build tonight’s menu around this dish.

✦ Set the Table

Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Buttercream Frosting

Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Buttercream Frosting

The full recipe lives in the Vault

The Heart of the Table

Neighborly Grace

✨ The Gilded Swaps