Description
Lemon poppy seed cake brings zesty sunshine to classic dessert lovers, promising a delightful balance of tangy citrus and nutty seeds. Sweet crumbs melt perfectly with bright lemon glaze, creating an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (225 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
- 2 large eggs
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
Leavening and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare a 9-inch baking pan by coating with butter and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
- Sift together dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds in a medium mixing bowl.
- Using an electric mixer, whip butter with granulated sugar and freshly grated lemon zest until mixture becomes fluffy and pale.
- Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture individually, ensuring complete blending after each addition.
- Gradually fold dry ingredient mixture into butter blend, alternating with milk to maintain smooth consistency.
- Gently stir in fresh lemon juice, which will enhance the citrus flavor profile of the cake.
- Transfer batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow cake to cool completely in pan for 15 minutes.
- Carefully transfer cake to a wire rack to cool entirely.
- Slice and serve with optional garnishes like fresh berries or whipped cream for added elegance.
Notes
- Measure poppy seeds precisely to prevent overwhelming the delicate lemon flavor and ensure balanced texture.
- Opt for room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and butter, to create smoother, more consistent cake batter.
- Zest lemons just before mixing to capture maximum essential oils and brightest citrus essence.
- Consider using Greek yogurt instead of milk for a denser, more tender crumb with enhanced tangy undertones.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 191 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 102 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 46 mg