Craving a delightful dessert that’s both refreshing and easy to make? Look no further than our Easy Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake! This classic cake combines the zesty tang of fresh lemons with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, creating a perfect balance of flavours and textures. Ideal for any occasion, from afternoon tea to special celebrations, this moist and fluffy cake is sure to impress. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, baking this delicious treat is a breeze. Satisfy your sweet tooth with this irresistible, homemade lemon and poppy seed cake recipe today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What sets this cake apart is its simplicity and the delightful combination of flavours. The fresh lemon juice and zest give it a vibrant, citrusy kick, while the poppy seeds add a unique texture that elevates every bite. The cake’s light and airy crumb is achieved with basic pantry staples, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a birthday party, or just want a sweet treat to enjoy with your family, this Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake fits the bill. It’s versatile enough to be served as a casual snack or dressed up with a glaze or frosting for more formal gatherings. Its bright, sunny flavour makes it a wonderful dessert for spring and summer, but it’s just as delightful year-round.
Easy Steps to Success
The recipe involves just a few simple steps: mixing the dry ingredients, incorporating the wet ingredients, and baking. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find the process straightforward and rewarding. The key to success is using fresh lemons for the juice and zest, as they provide the best flavour. Additionally, be sure to mix the batter until just combined to ensure the cake stays tender.
Storage and Leftovers
This cake stays moist and delicious for several days. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s so delicious!), you can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Easy Lemon & Poppy Seed Cake
Course: DessertsDifficulty: Easy10
servings15
minutes45
minutes253
kcalIngredients
210 g all purpose flour
200 g granulated sugar
2 lemons (zested)
1 1/2 tbsp poppy seeds
2 tsps baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
250ml milk
2 eggs
100ml vegetable oil
1 tsp liquid vanilla extract
- Glaze (optional)
150g powdered sugar
juice of 1 lemon
Directions
- Making the cake
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease (with some vegetable oil) and line a 23 x 13 cm loaf pan with baking paper. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and the lemon zest. Whisk aggressively for 1 minute to incorporate the ingredients. Add and mix in the poppy seeds, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Once combines set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, oil and vanilla until homogeneous. Stir in the wet mixture into the dry ingredients slowly until fully combined with no pockets of dry ingredients remaining. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Making the glaze (optional)
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and the lemon juice until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little water to loosen; if the icing is too thin add more tablespoons of powdered sugar to thicken. Spread icing evenly over the top of the cooled cake and sprinkle with some poppy seeds for garnish. Allow the icing to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Rubbing the lemon zest into the flour and sugar before adding the other ingredients is a simple tick that allows for the oils in the zest to disperse evenly. This makes the most of the lemon flavour that is packed in the rind of the fruit.
- A way to figure out if the cake is done is by inserting a long toothpick/skewer in the middle of the cake cake and if it comes out clean, it means the cake would be done. If, however, the toothpick/skewer comes out with some mixture on it, it means that the cake needs a bit more time in the oven. You can give it 5 mins intervals before checking again to ensure that the cake is not burnt.
Join the Community
We love seeing how our recipes turn out in your kitchen. If you make this Easy Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake, please share your photos and feedback in the comments below or tag us on social media. Your creations inspire us and our community of fellow bakers.
In summary, our Easy Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple, delicious baking. With its fresh, vibrant flavours and moist texture, this cake is sure to become a favourite in your household. Give it a try today and enjoy the joy of homemade baking with a recipe that’s as easy as it is delightful. Happy baking!
