Poppy Seed Sekacz Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Electric mixer
- Bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the sour cream, poppy seeds, and lemon zest.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 12 slices

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 350
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: Can be substituted with margarine or vegetable oil.
- Sour cream: Can be substituted with plain Greek yogurt.
- Poppy seeds: Can be substituted with sesame seeds.

Variations:
- Add ½ cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter.
- Substitute the lemon zest with orange zest.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar.
- Be sure not to overmix the batter.

Storage Instructions:
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
The cake can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Chopped nuts
- Chocolate shavings

Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is overbaked, it will be dry. Be sure to check the cake with a toothpick before removing from the oven.

Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to use pasteurized eggs when making this cake.

Food History:
Sekacz cake is a traditional Polish cake that dates back to the 16th century. It is made with layers of dough that are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as poppy seeds, nuts, and dried fruit.

Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of lemon.

Serving Suggestions:
This cake is best served with a cup of coffee or tea.

Related Categories

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Region: Polish

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Creamy, Vanilla, Vanilla-Scented