Description
A soft and moist lemon poppy seed cake bursting with bright citrus flavor and a delicate crunch from poppy seeds. Perfect for dessert or an afternoon tea treat, this cake combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the subtle texture of poppy seeds to create a delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup milk
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air and create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated and the batter remains smooth.
- Mix Lemon Flavor: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest to infuse the batter with bright citrus flavor that will brighten the cake.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds evenly distributing the leavening and seeds throughout the dry mix.
- Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. This technique keeps the batter smooth and helps prevent overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Pour Batter: Pour the finished batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top for even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Add a lemon glaze on top for an extra burst of citrus flavor and a shiny finish.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain the cake’s soft and tender texture.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to keep it moist for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American