Lemon Poppy Seed Cake (Printable version)
Moist and zesty lemon cake with crunchy poppy seeds and a tangy lemon glaze, ideal for a light treat.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
08 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
10 - 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1 cup whole milk
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Lemon Glaze
13 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
05 - In a small bowl, blend together the freshly squeezed lemon juice and whole milk.
06 - With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three portions, alternating with the lemon-milk mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
07 - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface evenly.
08 - Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The burst of fresh lemon flavor feels like a bright secret you want to share with everyone.
- The crunchy poppy seeds add a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more.
02 -
- Don’t overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients meet — that’s the key to keeping the cake tender.
- Using fresh lemon zest rather than bottled makes a striking difference in brightness and aroma.
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients mix more thoroughly, creating an even crumb.
- Gently fold in poppy seeds at the end to avoid breaking them and losing their crunch.