Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is essential for ensuring even baking throughout the cake.
Generously grease an 8½ by 4¼ by 2½-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. This will help the cake come out easily once it's baked.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt. This process helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and ensures that your cake rises properly.
In another medium-sized mixing bowl, pour in the sugar and grate all the zest from the orange over it. Take a moment to rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers until the sugar is bright orange and fragrant. This enhances the flavor profile.
Slice the orange in half and squeeze its juice into a glass measuring cup. Set the juice aside for later. You'll be adding half of it to the batter, which will amp up the citrus flavor.
In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Once smooth, pour in half of the orange juice and stir to combine.
Now, gently add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until they're combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be careful here!
Switch to a rubber spatula and fold in the olive oil. Make sure you mix until it’s fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top so it bakes evenly.
Bake the cake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden and a cake tester comes out clean from the center. The aroma filling your kitchen is a good sign!
While the cake is baking, whisk together the remaining orange juice and powdered sugar until smooth to create your glaze.
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove it using the sides of the parchment paper and place it on a large sheet of parchment paper.
Pour the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to run down the sides for that beautiful presentation.
Finally, allow the cake to cool to room temperature or serve it warm. It’s fantastic on its own, but feel free to pair it with a scoop of ice cream if you like!
