Lemon Poppyseed Cake

Name: Lemon Poppyseed Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups (325g) all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil; 1 1/2 cups (310g) sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup (180ml) milk; 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice; 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest; 2 tbsp poppy seeds; 16 oz (452g) cream cheese, room temperature; 3/4 cup (172g) butter, room temperature; 10 cups (1150g) powdered sugar; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest

Recipe By:

Rachael

Posted:

February 5, 2025

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Lemon Poppyseed Cake is a treat that makes every occasion feel special. Imagine a cake that captures the zesty brightness of lemons combined with the delightful crunch of poppy seeds. That’s what you get with this recipe. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a creamy lemon frosting that just takes it to the next level. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a potluck, or just because you feel like it, this cake will always impress. Plus, the lively flavor of lemons brings a fresh vibe, which is perfect for casual gatherings or more formal celebrations. So, grab your apron, and let’s have some fun in the kitchen whipping up this delightful dessert!

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What is Lemon Poppyseed Cake

Lemon Poppyseed Cake is a delightful dessert known for its tender, moist texture combined with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon and the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. This cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also visually appealing, often complemented with a creamy lemon frosting.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Poppyseed Cake

This Lemon Poppyseed Cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering or a special celebration. Its vibrant lemon flavor uplifts the spirit, while the delightful crunch of poppy seeds adds an interesting texture. The addition of luscious lemon cream cheese frosting takes it over the top, making it a favorite among lemon lovers.

Ingredients for Lemon Poppyseed Cake

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups (325g) all-purpose flour
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups (310g) sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
3/4 cup (180ml) milk
1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh lemon zest
2 tbsp poppy seeds

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

16 oz (452g) cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup (172g) butter, room temperature
10 cups (1150g) powdered sugar
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh lemon zest

Preparing Your Lemon Poppyseed Cake

Preparing the Pans and Preheating the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). While it warms up, prepare three 8-inch cake pans. Grease the sides and line the bottom with parchment paper circles to ensure your cake comes out easily after baking.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

Next, grab a medium-sized bowl and combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these together, then set this mixture aside for later.

Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. You’ll want this to be light and fluffy, which usually takes around 1 1/2 to 2 minutes of mixing.

Adding Eggs

Now comes the fun part: adding the eggs! Incorporate them one at a time, mixing until they’re mostly combined before adding the next. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well blended.

Incorporating Dry Ingredients

Take half of the flour mixture you prepared earlier and add it to the batter. Mix it until it’s mostly combined but still a bit lumpy—this is key to a fluffy cake!

Mixing Milk and Lemon Juice

In a separate bowl, mix the milk and fresh lemon juice together. Gradually pour this mixture into your batter, mixing until it’s fully combined. That zesty lemon really starts to shine through at this point!

Final Dry Ingredients

Now, add in the remaining dry ingredients to the batter. Mix just until it’s smooth, being careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cake dense.

Stirring in Zest and Poppy Seeds

At this stage, it’s time to gently fold in the fresh lemon zest and poppy seeds. This step adds that lovely touch of crunch and packs in even more lemon flavor.

Baking the Cake

Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake them for 22-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached. After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, it’s time to whip up the frosting. In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in about half of the powdered sugar until it’s well combined. Once that’s smooth, add in the lemon juice and zest, then finish mixing in the rest of the powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a splash of milk.

Assembling the Cake

If needed, level the tops of the cool cakes using a serrated knife. Place the first layer on a lovely serving plate and spread about 1 cup of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and repeat with another cup of frosting. Finally, crown your masterpiece with the top layer and frost the entire cake, making it look as beautiful as it tastes!

Decorating the Cake

Feel free to get creative here. Decorate the cake however you like! You can use rosettes, sprinkles of poppy seeds, and even lemon slices. When you’re done decorating, refrigerate the cake until it’s time to serve. It’s best enjoyed cool but not completely cold.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your dessert experience, pair your Lemon Poppyseed Cake with fresh berries or a light fruit salad. A steaming cup of herbal tea or coffee also complements its flavors remarkably well.

Tips for Success

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This helps create a smoother batter.
Take care not to overmix, as this keeps the cake light and fluffy.
Adjust the sweetness of the frosting to fit your taste—this is your cake after all!

Variations

If you want to switch things up, consider swapping lemon for other citrus fruits like orange or lime for a different flavor. You can also throw in some blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist that adds color and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, the cake can be baked a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

How should I store leftover cake?

Wrap leftover cake in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator; it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

You can easily use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour.

How can I make the frosting fluffier?

Beat the frosting longer until it reaches a smoother, fluffier consistency. If it’s too thick, just add a little milk to loosen it up.

This Lemon Poppyseed Cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers a burst of sunshine with every bite. Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own, it’s a slice of happiness to enjoy on any day.

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