Are you dreaming of a moist, fluffy cake bursting with bright, zesty lemon flavor? Then look no further! This Lemon Poppy Seed Cake recipe is your answer. It’s the perfect homemade treat for any occasion – from a casual weeknight dessert to a celebratory gathering. This easy recipe delivers delicious results, making it a perfect choice for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. Get ready to experience the delightful combination of tangy lemon and delicate poppy seeds in every bite! This recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that can easily elevate a simple meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Having your dry ingredients measured and ready to go makes the baking process smoother.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but you can do it by hand if you're feeling ambitious!
- Add Eggs & Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
- Poppy Seeds: Stir in the poppy seeds.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Glaze: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, pour the glaze over the top and let it drizzle down the sides.
Tips for the Best Lemon Poppy Seed Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs ensures proper emulsification and a lighter cake.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Freshly Zested Lemon: Freshly zested lemon provides the brightest, most vibrant lemon flavor.
Variations:
- Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: Bake this batter in muffin tins for individual servings. Adjust baking time to 18-20 minutes.
- Add Berries: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries for added flavor and texture.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace the lemon glaze with a cream cheese frosting for a richer dessert.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
- Protein: Approximately 4g
This Lemon Poppy Seed Cake recipe is a wonderful addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy this delightful and simple homemade treat! It's sure to become a family favorite, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while enjoying the best recipes. This simple cake is ideal for those looking for delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.