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Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Lemon poppy seed cake is one of those classic bakes that never goes out of style. 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter softened
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Lemon zest
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Poppy seeds
For the Lemon Glaze
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Microplane or zester
  • Loaf pan or bundt pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Pan
  1. Grease and line your pan with parchment. This ensures clean removal and even baking.
  2. Prepare the Pan
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. This distributes leavening evenly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
  1. Beat until pale and fluffy. This step traps air, which gives the cake lift.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavor
  1. Add eggs one at a time, followed by lemon zest and vanilla. The aroma should be strong and fresh.
  2. Add Eggs and Flavor
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry
  1. Add dry ingredients and yogurt alternately, finishing with lemon juice. Mix just until combined.
  2. Alternate Wet and Dry
Step 6: Bake
  1. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean and the top springs back lightly.
  2. Bake
Step 7: Glaze While Warm
  1. Pour glaze over the warm cake so it absorbs slightly, sealing in moisture.
  2. Glaze While Warm