Orange and Poppy Seed Cake with Citrus Sauce

★Ingredients

For the Cake*

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

⅓ cup fresh orange juice

2 large eggs

Zest of 1 orange

½ cup plain yogurt or buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Citrus Sauce*

• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter

Instructions*

To Make the Cake*

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract. Mix in the orange juice.
5. Alternately add the flour mixture and the yogurt to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

To Make the Citrus Sauce*

1. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth, then add it to the juice mixture. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and butter until smooth.
4. Let the sauce cool slightly before drizzling it over the cake.

Serving*

• Slice the orange poppy seed cake and serve with the citrus sauce drizzled over the top. Enjoy!