Delight in the bright and refreshing flavors of lemon with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds in this delicious lemon poppy seed cake. Moist, tender, and bursting with citrusy goodness, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert after a hearty meal. Follow this recipe to create a cake that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Lemon Zest: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice until well combined.
- Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Poppy Seeds: Gently fold in the poppy seeds until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in Pan: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of the cake. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: These ingredients add moisture and richness to the cake.
- Zesting Lemons: Use a fine grater or a zester to zest the lemons, being careful to only zest the outer, yellow part of the skin to avoid the bitter white pith.
Enjoy!
Enjoy slices of this moist and flavorful lemon poppy seed cake with a cup of tea or coffee. Its bright citrusy flavor and delicate crunch of poppy seeds make it a delightful treat for any time of day. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to be a hit.
Share Your Creations!
If you try this lemon poppy seed cake recipe, share your photos and tag us on social media. We’d love to see how your cake turns out! Happy baking! ✨ ✨
