About the Recipe
Imagine this: a delicate loaf, rich with buttery citrus flavor, gracing the table at an elegant afternoon tea. The kind of cake that feels both simple and refined—moist, fragrant, and topped with glossy candied orange slices that catch the light just so. You take a bite, and the deep, sun-kissed citrus flavor bursts through, balanced by the gentle crunch of poppy seeds and a hint of vanilla. It’s the perfect combination of rustic and elegant, a bake that’s just as at home on a beautifully set tea table as it is on your kitchen counter for an everyday treat.
This Orange Poppy Seed Loaf is the kind of cake that gets better with time, the flavors deepening as it rests. The whole orange purée gives it a rich citrusy depth you can’t get from just juice, while the buttery crumb keeps it incredibly soft and tender. And then there’s the topping—candied orange slices that make it look as stunning as it tastes, adding a touch of old-world charm.
If you’ve loved my Lemon Pistachio Bundt Cake or Almond Apricot Madeleines, you’ll adore this one too. It has that same balance of bright, nutty, and lightly sweet flavors that make each bite irresistible. Whether you serve it with a strong cup of coffee, a steaming pot of tea, or simply as a sweet moment in your day, this is a loaf you’ll find yourself making again and again.
What You’ll Love about this Orange Poppy Seed Loaf
✨ Bright citrus flavor – Whole orange purée infuses every bite with natural sweetness and zest.
✨ Delightfully moist – Melted butter keeps the crumb rich and tender.
✨ A touch of crunch – Poppy seeds add a subtle contrast to the soft loaf.
✨ Gorgeous presentation – Topped with glossy candied orange slices, it’s a showstopper!
✨ Perfect for any occasion – Enjoy as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert.
What You'll Love
Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh orange purée? Fresh orange purée gives the loaf a more intense citrus flavor and natural moisture. If substituting, use ¼ cup (60ml) orange juice, but the texture may be slightly different.
How do I know when the loaf is done baking? Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done. The top should be golden and slightly springy to the touch.
Can I make this loaf ahead of time? Yes! It stays moist for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze it (without the candied oranges) for up to 2 months.
What’s the best way to store candied orange slices? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Can I swap the butter for oil? Yes! Use 150g (¾ cup) neutral oil for a slightly lighter texture.
Frequently asked Questions
Ingredients
Cake:
185g unsalted butter, melted (6½ oz)
3 large eggs
200g caster sugar (1 cup)
1 medium orange, pureed
190g all-purpose flour, sifted (1½ cups)
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp poppy seeds
60ml milk or orange juice (¼ cup)
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Orange Glaze (Optional):
60g powdered sugar (½ cup)
1-2 tbsp fresh orange juice
½ tsp orange zest
Candied Oranges (Optional)
1 orange (thinly sliced, about ⅛-inch thick)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240ml) water
Optional: 1 tbsp honey or light corn syrup (for extra shine)
Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract or a cinnamon stick for added flavor
Preparation
Let's get started! Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to make this delicious Orange Poppy Seed Loaf:
Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the orange: Cut the orange into chunks (removing any seeds) and blend it into a smooth puree using a food processor or blender.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and pureed orange until well combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.
Mix batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk or orange juice, until just combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & glaze (optional): Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. For an extra spin, drizzle with an orange glaze (see below).
Decorate & Serve: Decorate with candied oranges or orange zest. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice-cream.
Orange Glaze (Optional, But Highly Recommended)
½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp fresh orange juice
½ tsp orange zest
Mix ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Now, for the final step, if you want to add an extra layer to your presention why not add some candied orange slices? These are completely optional but will give that extra "wow" touch to your presentation.
Here are the steps on to make them:
Prepare the orange slices: Wash and dry the orange, then slice it into thin rounds (about ⅛-inch thick). Remove any seeds.
Make the syrup: In a wide pan, bring the water and sugar to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. If using honey or vanilla extract, add them now.
Simmer the slices: Reduce heat to low and carefully add the orange slices in a single layer. Simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, flipping them occasionally, until they become translucent.
Dry the slices: Using tongs, carefully remove the slices and place them on a wire rack set over parchment paper. Let them dry for at least 2-3 hours or overnight for best results.
For extra shine & texture:
Sugared Finish: While still slightly tacky, coat them in granulated sugar.
Glossy Finish: Brush with a little light corn syrup or honey for a natural shine.
Decorate your loaf: Once your Orange Poppy Seed Loaf has cooled, place the candied slices on top in an overlapping pattern for a stunning effect.
If the candied orange slices feel like too much, or you are short of time, you can also simple add a sprinkle of orange zest overtop.
Extra Spin Ideas:
Almond Flour Addition – Swap ¼ cup of flour with almond flour for a nuttier texture.
Chocolate Twist – Fold in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips.
Coconut Orange Poppy Seed Loaf – Replace ¼ cup of flour with desiccated coconut for a tropical spin.
Cardamom & Honey – Add ½ tsp ground cardamom to the dry ingredients and replace some of the sugar with honey for a more complex flavor.