Merken This Blood Orange Loaf Cake is a vibrant masterpiece that brings together the ruby-red brilliance of seasonal citrus with the delicate crunch of poppy seeds. Enriched with grated marzipan, the cake boasts an exceptionally moist, aromatic crumb that feels both rustic and refined—making it the perfect treat for a sophisticated afternoon tea or a festive weekend brunch.
Merken The preparation is straightforward yet rewarding. By creaming the butter with fresh blood orange zest, the essential oils are released, infusing the entire batter with a bright, citrusy perfume. The subtle almond notes from the marzipan complement the tartness of the orange, creating a harmonious balance that is not overly sweet.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- 120 g unsalted butter, softened
- 200 g granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 blood oranges
- 2 large eggs
- 80 g marzipan, grated
- 120 ml blood orange juice (from about 2–3 blood oranges)
- 60 ml whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Blood Orange Glaze:
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp blood orange juice
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
- Step 3
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and blood orange zest until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Step 5
- Fold in the grated marzipan until evenly distributed.
- Step 6
- In a separate bowl, combine blood orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Step 7
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the blood orange mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Step 8
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Step 9
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 10
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 11
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with blood orange juice until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled cake. Let set before slicing.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth emulsion. To make grating the marzipan easier, place it in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before using. This cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days and should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve its moisture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute the marzipan with almond paste if you prefer a more intense nut flavor. For a slightly more decadent adult version, add a small splash of orange liqueur to the glaze. If blood oranges are unavailable, naval oranges or cara cara oranges work as a delicious substitute.
Serviervorschläge
This elegant loaf pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or a dark roast coffee. For a special brunch or celebration, serve each slice with a dollop of crème fraîche or a crisp glass of chilled Prosecco to complement the citrus notes.
Merken Whether you are hosting a festive gathering or simply want to brighten a winter afternoon, this Blood Orange Loaf Cake with Poppy Seeds and Marzipan is a reliable and stunning choice. Enjoy the balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors in every slice.
Rezept-Fragen und Antworten
- → Kann ich normale Orangen statt Blutorangen verwenden?
Ja, normale Orangen funktionieren auch, allerdings fehlt dann die charakteristische rubinrote Farbe und der leicht herbe Geschmack. Die Konsistenz bleibt gleich.
- → Wie bewahre ich den Kuchen am besten auf?
Lagern Sie den Kuchen in einem luftdichten Behälter bei Raumtemperatur. Er bleibt 2–3 Tage frisch und saftig. Nicht im Kühlschrank aufbewahren, da er sonst austrocknet.
- → Kann ich Mandelpaste statt Marzipan nehmen?
Absolut! Mandelpaste verleiht dem Kuchen ein intensiveres Mandelaroma. Achten Sie darauf, dass sie die gleiche Konsistenz wie Marzipan hat und sich gut reiben lässt.
- → Woran erkenne ich, dass der Kuchen durchgebacken ist?
Stechen Sie mit einem Holzstäbchen in die Mitte des Kuchens. Wenn es sauber oder nur mit wenigen Krümeln herauskommt, ist der Kuchen fertig. Die Backzeit kann je nach Ofen leicht variieren.
- → Kann ich den Kuchen einfrieren?
Ja, der Kuchen lässt sich gut einfrieren. Wickeln Sie ihn ohne Glasur in Frischhaltefolie und Alufolie ein. Er hält bis zu 3 Monate. Vor dem Servieren auftauen lassen und dann glasieren.
- → Welche Getränke passen am besten dazu?
Earl Grey Tee harmoniert wunderbar mit den Zitrusnoten. Auch Prosecco oder ein süßer Dessertwein wie Moscato d'Asti ergänzen den Kuchen perfekt für besondere Anlässe.