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Moist and Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe for a Perfect Treat

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🍋 Experience the refreshingly vibrant flavors of this Moist and Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Cake, perfect for brightening any dessert table!
🎂 Indulge in a delicate cake featuring creamy lemon swirls and a rich cream cheese frosting, offering a delightful balance of tangy and sweet.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Homemade Lemon Curd:
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
1 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp lemon zest (from 2 large lemons)
1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (from 23 large lemons)
1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, sliced

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake:
2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (90 g) cake flour (or substitute with 3/4 cup all-purpose flour minus 2 tbsp + 2 tbsp cornstarch)
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp poppy seeds
1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp lemon zest (from 23 lemons)
1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable or mild flavored oil
1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup (80 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 23 lemons)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120 ml) milk, room temperature
1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream, room temperature

Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz (227 g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Lemon Curd: In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth. Add lemon zest and juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly near the end, until thickened (about 8-10 minutes on gas stovetop, up to 20 minutes on electric). Remove from heat, stir in butter until melted. Transfer to a container, cover, and chill thoroughly before use.

2. Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Whisk together flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. In a large bowl, rub lemon zest into sugar to release oils. Add oil, melted butter, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla, whisking until combined. Add half the dry ingredients and mix until incorporated. Stir in milk and sour cream, then add remaining dry ingredients, mixing gently until smooth. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.

3. Pour batter into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake.

5. Spoon about three-quarters of the chilled lemon curd in small dollops on top of the frosting and swirl gently with a knife or spatula. Sprinkle with additional poppy seeds for garnish.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍋 Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling to avoid dryness.
🧊 Use room temperature ingredients (eggs, milk, sour cream) for even baking.
🔪 Use fresh lemons for vibrant flavor instead of bottled juice.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooling: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 42g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 61g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg