Lemon Poppyseed Cake

Recipe By:
Martha
Posted:

The delightful Lemon Poppyseed Cake is hands down one of those desserts that brings a smile with each bite. Imagine slicing into a beautifully baked cake; the golden crumb peeks through, sprinkled with tiny black seeds that reveal their pop of flavor. It’s a sunny treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, having friends over for tea, or just indulging yourself on a cozy Sunday. The bright lemon flavor is perfectly complemented by the poppy seeds’ crunch—together, they create a balance that’s simply irresistible. And that’s not all! The easy-to-follow recipe means you can whip this up in no time, sharing the joy of this refreshing masterpiece with your loved ones. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to baking!

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Poppyseed Cake

The delightful combination of zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds makes Lemon Poppyseed Cake a refreshing and satisfying dessert. Every bite bursts with bright, citrusy flavor, balanced with a tender crumb that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a slice. Perfect for tea time, birthday celebrations, or weekend brunches, this cake is not just food; it’s an experience that brings joy and indulgence.

What is a Lemon Poppyseed Cake

Lemon Poppyseed Cake is a sweet baked treat that features a rich batter infused with lemon juice, zest, and poppy seeds. Its vibrant lemon flavor is complemented by the visually appealing black seeds, which add texture and character. This cake is often drizzled with a sweet lemon glaze that enhances its liveliness and provides a lovely finish.

Lemon Poppyseed Cake

Ingredients for Lemon Poppyseed Cake

  • Batter
  • 1 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup poppy seeds

  • Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon milk

  • Garnish

  • Extra poppy seeds
  • Lemon slices

Preparing Your Lemon Poppyseed Cake

Lemon Poppyseed Cake

Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready for your batter.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the vanilla yogurt, vegetable oil, white granulated sugar, eggs, and fresh lemon juice. It’s time to whisk! Keep going until everything is completely smooth and well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, gradually add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently mix just until everything is incorporated. Remember, it’s important not to overmix here—less is more!

Add Zest and Seeds

Now, it’s time to introduce a zing! Gently fold in the lemon zest and poppy seeds into the batter. This is where the magic of flavor really begins to happen.

Pour into the Pan

Once your batter is ready, pour it into a greased nonstick loaf pan. Smooth the top out with a spatula to ensure even baking.

Bake the Cake

Pop that loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. How do you know when it’s done? Simply insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!

Prepare the Lemon Glaze

While your cake is blissfully baking away, prepare the lemon glaze. In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Set it aside; you’ll use it soon!

Cool and Glaze

After baking, let the cake cool completely in the pan. Gently remove it from the loaf pan, and then drizzle the prepared glaze on top. The glaze adds a sweet finish that brings everything together.

Garnish and Serve

For that extra touch, you can garnish with extra poppy seeds and lemon slices if you like. Slice it up, serve, and enjoy every delightful flavor!

Serving Suggestions

Consider pairing your Lemon Poppyseed Cake with a cup of herbal tea or a tall glass of lemonade for an utterly refreshing experience. It also goes beautifully with fresh fruits like berries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Tips for Success

  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor—both the zest and juice are crucial.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
  • For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with your Lemon Poppyseed Cake. You could add blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity twist. If you want to tweak the texture a bit, consider replacing the yogurt with buttermilk.

Storage Tips

To keep your Lemon Poppyseed Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, it can be refrigerated for up to a week, but it’s best enjoyed at room temperature.

Pairing Ideas

This cake pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist. For a lighter option, serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh mint leaves.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the yogurt?
Yes, you can use sour cream or buttermilk as an alternative.

2. How long will the cake last?
The cake will stay fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator and 3 days at room temperature.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

4. Is it possible to freeze the cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

5. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is preferred for maximum flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

Enjoy the remarkable joy that this Lemon Poppyseed Cake brings to your table. With its tangy sweetness and delightful texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home! Get ready to indulge in the refreshing taste of summer in every bite!

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Lemon Poppyseed Cake

Lemon Poppyseed Cake

This Lemon Poppyseed Cake combines zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds into a light dessert that’s perfect for tea time or celebrations, bringing joy with every slice.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup poppy seeds
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • Extra poppy seeds
  • Lemon slices

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Combine yogurt, oil, sugar, eggs, and lemon juice in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
  • Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently until incorporated.
  • Fold in lemon zest and poppy seeds.
  • Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
  • Prepare the lemon glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon zest, fresh juice, and milk.
  • Let the cake cool, then drizzle with glaze and garnish with extra poppy seeds and lemon slices.

Notes

Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
Experiment with adding blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.

  • Author: Martha
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20
  • Sodium: 150
  • Fat: 10
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 38
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 4
  • Cholesterol: 40

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