Lemon Poppy Seed Cake (Moist & Zesty)

Whether or not you’re baking for an important day or just craving a refreshing deal with, this recipe won’t disappoint.

This cake strikes the proper stability between candy and tangy, with actual lemon zest and juice enhancing its taste. Poppy seeds add a slight nuttiness, and the moist crumb ensures each chunk is scrumptious.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

• Good stability of candy and tangy flavors
• Moist, fluffy texture with a fragile crunch from poppy seeds
• Easy, easy-to-follow recipe with widespread pantry components
• Versatile: get pleasure from as a breakfast cake, dessert, or afternoon deal with

Elements You’ll Want

To make a moist and flavorful lemon poppy seed cake, you’ll want the next components:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Supplies construction and a young crumb.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Balances acidity and improves texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances taste.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – Provides richness and moisture.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens and creates a young crumb.
• 3 giant eggs – Supplies construction and helps bind the components.
• 1 cup buttermilk – Retains the cake moist and comfortable.
• Zest of two lemons – Infuses pure citrus taste.
• ¼ cup contemporary lemon juice – Provides tang and brightness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the lemon taste.
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds – Provides texture and a nutty taste.

For the Lemon Glaze (Optionally available):

• 1 cup powdered sugar – Creates a clean glaze.
• 2 tablespoons contemporary lemon juice – Provides tartness and shine.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Put together the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch bundt pan or loaf pan with butter and flippantly mud with flour. This prevents the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Elements

In a medium bowl, whisk collectively flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Put aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a big mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar collectively till gentle and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for a comfortable and ethereal cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat within the eggs, one by one, making certain every is totally integrated. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing till clean.

Step 5: Mix Moist and Dry Elements

Steadily add the dry components in three components, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and finish with the dry components, mixing gently till simply mixed. Overmixing could make the cake dense.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the ready pan and clean the highest. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or till a toothpick inserted within the middle comes out clear.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let the cake cool within the pan for 10 minutes, then switch to a wire rack to chill fully. If utilizing glaze, whisk collectively powdered sugar and lemon juice and drizzle over the cake.

Baking Suggestions for a Good Cake

• Use contemporary lemons: Contemporary lemon juice and zest present the perfect taste.
• Room temperature components: Guarantee butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a clean batter.
• Don’t overmix: Combine simply till mixed to keep away from a dense cake.
• Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick within the middle; if it comes out clear, the cake is finished.

Optionally available Lemon Glaze or Frosting Concepts

If you wish to take your lemon poppy seed cake to the following stage, strive one among these toppings:

• Traditional Lemon Glaze: A easy mixture of powdered sugar and contemporary lemon juice for a tangy end.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: A wealthy and creamy choice that pairs fantastically with the cake’s citrusy notes.
• Vanilla Drizzle: A lightweight and candy various for many who want a subtler taste.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk with a teaspoon of vinegar as an alternative of buttermilk, and swap butter for vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Loaf Cake or Muffins: Bake in a loaf pan (50-55 minutes) or make muffins (18-20 minutes at 350°F).

Storage & Serving Recommendations

• Room Temperature: Retailer in an hermetic container for 3 days.
• Fridge: Preserve for as much as every week if lined tightly.
• Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for as much as 3 months.

Serve with a cup of tea, espresso, or contemporary berries for a pleasant deal with.

Recipe FAQ’s

What can I exploit as an alternative of buttermilk?

You may make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes earlier than utilizing.

Can I freeze lemon poppy seed cake?

Sure, wrap the cake (or particular person slices) tightly in plastic wrap and retailer in an hermetic container. It may be frozen for as much as 3 months. Thaw at room temperature earlier than serving.

How do I forestall the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan properly with butter and flippantly mud it with flour, or use parchment paper for simple elimination. A bundt pan ought to be rigorously coated with baking spray that comprises flour.

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake (Moist and Zesty)

This lemon poppy seed cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that balances the sweetness of cake with the tangy brightness of contemporary lemons. The poppy seeds add a fragile crunch, whereas the buttermilk retains the crumb comfortable and tender.It’s an easy-to-make cake that’s excellent for brunch, tea time, or an after-dinner deal with. Take pleasure in it plain, with a easy lemon glaze, or topped with cream cheese frosting.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Baking Time 45 minutes minutes

Complete Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Delicacies American

Servings 10 Slices

Energy 320 kcal

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour Supplies construction and a young crumb.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder Helps the cake rise.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda Balances acidity and improves texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt Enhances taste.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened Provides richness and moisture.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar Sweetens and creates a young crumb.
• 3 giant eggs Supplies construction and helps bind the components.
• 1 cup buttermilk Retains the cake moist and comfortable.
• Zest of two lemons Infuses pure citrus taste.
• ¼ cup contemporary lemon juice Provides tang and brightness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the lemon taste.
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds Provides texture and a nutty taste.

For the Lemon Glaze (Optionally available):

• 1 cup powdered sugar Creates a clean glaze.
• 2 tablespoons contemporary lemon juice Provides tartness and shine.

Step 1: Put together the Oven and Pan

Step 2: Combine the Dry Elements

• In a medium bowl, whisk collectively flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Put aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a big mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar collectively till gentle and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for a comfortable and ethereal cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

• Beat within the eggs, one by one, making certain every is totally integrated. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing till clean.

Step 5: Mix Moist and Dry Elements

• Steadily add the dry components in three components, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and finish with the dry components, mixing gently till simply mixed. Overmixing could make the cake dense.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

• Let the cake cool within the pan for 10 minutes, then switch to a wire rack to chill fully. If utilizing glaze, whisk collectively powdered sugar and lemon juice and drizzle over the cake.