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Slice of homemade lemon cake with poppy seeds on a plate

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

A delightful cake blending the refreshing flavor of lemons with the unique crunch of poppy seeds, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the cake

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour for a tender and airy base
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar for perfect sweetness
  • 0.25 cups poppy seeds for crunch and flavor
  • 1 tsp baking powder to ensure the cake rises
  • 0.5 tsp salt to enhance taste
  • 1 cup milk to make the cake moist
  • 0.5 cups melted butter for creamy texture
  • 0.25 cups fresh lemon juice for zesty flavor
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest for aromatic essence
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract for warmth
  • 4 large eggs to bind ingredients
  • 1 cup lemon pudding mix for lemony layer
  • 2 cups milk (for pudding) for creamy consistency

For the glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar for sweetness
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice to balance sweetness

For the frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter for rich frosting
  • 0.25 cups powdered sugar for sweetness
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice to highlight lemon flavor
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest for brightening flavor
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract for complexity

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a bundt pan.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and eggs.
  • Gradually mix wet and dry ingredients until combined. Do not overmix.
  • Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.

Baking

  • Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Preparing the Glaze

  • Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.

Making the Frosting

  • Beat unsalted butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until creamy and fluffy.

Assembly

  • Poke holes in the cooled cake and drizzle glaze over it, allowing it to seep in.
  • Frost the cake with the lemon frosting and serve with additional lemon zest.

Notes

Measure ingredients accurately and allow cake to cool completely before glazing and frosting.
Keyword Baking, Dessert Recipe, Lemon Cake, Lemon Poppy Seed Cake, Poppy Seed Cake