Polish Poppy Seed Cake

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This Polish, poppy seed-rich cake recipe is usually served for special occasions, such as Christmas and Easter, but it's wonderful any time. The dish's shortcrust base is topped with a poppy seed mixture, then glazed. Unique, delicious, and quite easy to make!

By Allrecipes Member
Updated on January 23, 2023
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr
Additional Time:
1 day 4 hrs
Total Time:
1 day 5 hrs 25 mins
Servings:
15
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Ingredients

Poppy Seed Filling:

  • 3 ½ cups poppy seeds

  • boiling water to cover

  • 5 eggs, separated

  • 9 tablespoons margarine

  • 1 cup white sugar

  • 2 apple - peeled, cored, and grated

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts

  • ½ cup raisins

  • 3 tablespoons honey

  • 3 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

Dough:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • ¾ cup margarine

  • ⅓ cup white sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Icing:

  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar

  • ⅓ cup boiling water

Directions

  1. Place poppy seeds in a small pot, cover with boiling water, and set aside for 24 hours.

  2. Line a colander with a cheesecloth and spoon in the poppy seeds. Allow draining for several hours. Once drained, transfer to a food processor and process until fine.

  3. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup margarine, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg, and baking powder in a large bowl and knead into a smooth dough.

  4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a deep 9x13-inch deep pan and line it with parchment paper.

  5. Roll out dough on a slightly floured surface and place in the prepared sheet pan.

  6. Combine egg yolks, 9 tablespoons margarine, and 1 cup sugar in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in drained poppy seeds gradually. Add apples, walnuts, raisins, honey, bread crumbs, and almond extract; mix well.

  7. Beat egg whites in a glass, metal, or ceramic bowl until stiff peaks form. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: egg whites will form sharp peaks. Fold egg whites into poppy seed mixture; spread over dough in the sheet pan.

  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until cake is set; transfer to a wire rack to cool.

  9. Mix enough boiling water with confectioners' sugar to form a smooth icing. Spread generously over cooled cake.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

581 Calories
34g Fat
64g Carbs
10g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 15
Calories 581
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 34g 44%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 67mg 22%
Sodium 256mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 64g 23%
Dietary Fiber 5g 16%
Total Sugars 48g
Protein 10g 21%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 501mg 39%
Iron 4mg 23%
Potassium 350mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.