German Orange Poppy Seed Sheet Cake with Plum Butter is a bold and rustic dessert that combines sweet, tangy, and slightly bitter flavors in perfect harmony. The tender cake, laced with citrus zest and nutty poppy seeds, is layered with traditional Pflaumenmus (plum butter) and finished with a glossy glaze. This vintage-style European cake is ideal for cozy afternoons, coffee breaks, or holiday dessert tables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Aromatic and citrusy: Orange zest and juice brighten each bite.
Old-world charm: Plum butter offers rich, spiced depth that’s classic in German baking.
Simple sheet cake format: Easy to bake and slice for gatherings.
Texture-rich: Soft crumb meets crunchy poppy seeds and smooth fruit glaze.
Bittersweet balance: Perfect for those who enjoy desserts that aren’t overly sweet.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp finely grated orange zest
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
3 tbsp poppy seeds
¾ cup milk
¾ cup plum butter (Pflaumenmus), or prune jam
½ cup orange marmalade or plum jam (for topping)
1 tsp poppy seeds (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
Stir in vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.

3. Assemble the Cake:

Spread half the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Spoon the plum butter gently over the surface and spread it lightly without pressing down.
Top with the remaining batter and smooth the surface.

4. Bake:

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

5. Glaze and Garnish:

Warm the marmalade or plum jam slightly and spread it over the top of the cooled cake.
Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds for visual texture and contrast.
Chill briefly to allow the topping to set before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Jam swap: Use apricot or cherry jam if plum butter is unavailable.
Nutty addition: Add finely chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter for extra crunch.
Zest twist: Substitute lemon or grapefruit zest for a different citrus profile.
Spiced touch: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a warming note.
Iced top: Replace the jam glaze with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and juice.

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature: Store tightly covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for 4–5 days in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld and the glaze sets.

Is plum butter the same as jam?

Plum butter (Pflaumenmus) is thicker and less sweet than jam, often spiced. Jam can be substituted, but it may yield a slightly sweeter result.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Fresh juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice can be used if needed.

Do I have to use poppy seeds?

You can omit them if preferred, though they add traditional texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to spread the plum butter?

Use a small offset spatula and apply gently to avoid mixing it into the batter below.

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

It’s best suited for sheet-style baking, but you can adapt to muffins with adjusted baking time (about 18–22 minutes).

Is this cake very sweet?

No, it strikes a pleasant balance between sweet and tangy, with a subtle bitterness from citrus and poppy seeds.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and monitor the texture—it may be slightly more delicate.

What should I serve with this cake?

A cup of black tea, coffee, or mulled wine pairs beautifully with the fruity, spiced notes.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can double it and bake in two 9×13-inch pans or use a larger sheet pan.

Conclusion

German Orange Poppy Seed Sheet Cake with Plum Butter offers a slice of rustic elegance straight from traditional European kitchens. With its buttery crumb, bright citrus, rich plum layer, and glossy fruit glaze, this cake is a feast for both the eyes and palate. Whether for holidays, teatime, or a cozy family dessert, it’s a timeless favorite with a story in every bite.

German Orange Poppy Seed Sheet Cake with Plum Butter

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

German Orange Poppy Seed Sheet Cake with Plum Butter is a rustic European dessert layered with tangy plum butter, zesty orange, and nutty poppy seeds. This German sheet cake recipe delivers a subtly bitter-sweet flavor and moist crumb—perfect for festive occasions or cozy coffee breaks.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla, orange zest, and juice.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet, alternating with milk until just combined.
Spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Gently layer the plum butter over it, then top with remaining batter and smooth the surface.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely. Slightly warm the marmalade or jam and spread evenly on top.
Garnish with poppy seeds. Chill briefly to set the topping before slicing and serving.

Notes

For extra aroma, add a splash of orange blossom water or rum.
Best served slightly chilled or at room temperature with coffee or tea.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: German / Central European