What a delight! A delicious Polish recipe with a poppy seeds sponge layered with vanilla cream, strawberry jam and topped with chocolate and nuts. Absolutely delicious!

Poppy sponge:
~ 3 eggs, separated
~ 1/2 cup sugar
~ 1/2 cup poppy seeds (dry)
~ 1/2 cup flour
~ 1 tsp baking powder
~ 1 tsp veg oil
~ 1 Tbsp hot water
~ 1/8 tsp cream of tartar or pinch of salt
~ 1/4 tsp almond extract

Vanilla cream:
~ 2 egg yolks
~ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
~ 1 cups milk, divided: 3/4 cup & 1/4 cup of milk
~ 1 & 1/4 Tbsp corn starch
~ 7 Tbsp butter, room temp.
~ 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Also needed:
~ chocolate
~ pistachios (grind)
~ strawberry jam

To make Poppy Sponge:
Prepare flour: In the bowl sift together flour and baking powder.

Separate eggs into yolks and whites.

Prepare yolks: in a bowl with a fork whisk together egg yolks, oil, and water.

Prepare whites: In a mixer (whisk attachment) whisk egg whites with cream of tartar. When egg whites are almost stiff, start adding sugar and whisk until glossy.

To egg whites (while mixer working on low) add egg yolks by gently pouring on the edge of the bowl.
Fold in prepared flour.
Then fold in poppy seeds and almond extract.

Use 7” round springform.
Grease bottom of springform (not sides) and line it with a parchment paper.
Bake at 350 for 35-37 min until sponge springs back when lightly pressed with a finger.
Leave to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then remove it from the pan and cool on cooling rack. Cut the sponge into 4 layers.

To make Vanilla Cream:
Hot milk: Take 3/4 cup milk and cook it to almost boil.

Egg yolk mixture: In a heat-resistant bowl combine 1/4 cup milk with the cornstarch. Mix until combined. Then add egg yolks and granulated sugar.

Place the bowl over hot water (bain-marie).
Pour hot milk into it.
Whisk until becomes thick and to avoid clumps.
Remove from heat and let it cool off.

In the mixer (paddle attachment) put butter and vanilla extract. Mix together for a few seconds and then start adding yolk mixture 1 spoon at the time.

Put together:
Place 1st layer of poppy sponge. Spread vanilla cream.
Place 2nd layer of poppy sponge. Spread jam.
Place 3rd layer of poppy sponge. Spread vanilla cream.
Place 4th layer of poppy sponge. Decorate it with chocolate and pistachios.