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.
Ingredients
-
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
-
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
-
1/4 tsp salt
-
3 tbsp poppy seeds
-
3/4 cup milk
-
3/4 cup plum butter (Pflaumenmus) or prune jam
-
1/2 cup orange marmalade or plum jam (for topping)
-
1 tsp poppy seeds (for garnish)
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
