Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe

This Lemon Poppy Seed Cake recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the bright flavor of lemon with the unique crunch of poppy seeds. It’s perfect for spring gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a light and refreshing cake.

The cake recipe is simple to follow and results in a moist, flavorful cake that pairs wonderfully with a lemon glaze or cream cheese frosting.

Moist Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

This Lemon Poppy Seed Cake features a tender crumb infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, complemented by the nutty flavor of poppy seeds. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 8-10 people.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Lemon glaze or cream cheese frosting (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest until combined.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Fold in the poppy seeds.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or top with lemon glaze or cream cheese frosting if desired.