Posted by jerseyjan May 8, 2001

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

This recipe produces a wonderfully moist and flavorful cake.

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup poppy seed
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooking oil
3 eggs
3/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons finely shredded orange peel
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup sifted powdered sugar, optional
3 to 4 teaspoons orange juice, optional

Grease and lightly flour a 10-inch fluted tube pan; set pan aside.

In a large bowl stir together flour, sugar, poppy seed, baking powder, and salt. Add oil, eggs, milk, orange peel, and the 1/2 cup orange juice. Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed about 60 seconds or until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center of cake comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove cake from pan.

If desired, in a small bowl combine powdered sugar and the 3 to 4 teaspoons orange juice. Whisk until smooth; drizzle over warm cake or pass with cake. Cover; store at room temperature for up to 3 days. Makes 18 servings.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare, bake, and glaze cake; cool completely. Place the cake on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once firm, place cake in a 2-gallon freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Before serving, thaw at room temperature for several hours.

Nutrition facts per serving: 316 calories, 14 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 36 mg cholesterol, 87 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein, 2% vitamin a, 7% vitamin c, 7% calcium, 8% iron