If you’re on the hunt for a refreshingly bright, moist, and absolutely irresistible dessert, this Luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe will soon become your go-to treat. Every bite delivers a delicate crumb studded with poppy seeds and enveloped in sunshiney lemon flavor, all topped off with a tangy-sweet lemon glaze that’s impossible to resist. This cake is just as perfect for brunch as it is for an afternoon pick-me-up, and trust me, it’s a foolproof crowd-pleaser.

Luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cake is all about simple, honest ingredients coming together to create something memorable. Each component not only adds its own flair—like richness, tenderness, or that signature citrus zing—but also plays a part in the gorgeous look and texture that make this Luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe stand out.

All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender foundation for the cake’s crumb.
Poppy seeds: These tiny seeds add delightful crunch and a charming speckled appearance.
Lemon zest: Packed with fragrant citrus oils, lemon zest brings the sunny lemon aroma front and center.
Baking soda: Gives the cake its gentle lift, helping it to rise perfectly.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the citrus flavors.
Unsalted butter (softened): Ensures the cake becomes luxuriously moist and flavorful.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and keeps the cake’s crumb soft.
Large eggs: Add structure and create a rich, tender texture.
Fresh lemon juice: Delivers vibrant, tart flavor that truly shines in every slice.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out and deepens the lemon notes.
Sour cream: The secret weapon for extra moisture and a fine, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Creates a dreamy, sweet topping.
Fresh lemon juice (for the glaze): Adds tang and brightness to the glaze.
Lemon zest (for the glaze): A final aromatic touch for maximum citrus punch.

How to Make Luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, generously grease a 10-cup Bundt pan or a trusty 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step is essential for easy cake release and those beautiful golden edges you’ll want everyone to see.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, lemon zest, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of everything—especially the zest and seeds—so every forkful of your Luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe has the perfect pop of flavor and texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light, fluffy, and a bit pale in color. This step traps air in the batter, resulting in that uplifted, cloud-like crumb we adore in homemade cakes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs, Lemon Juice, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next. Once the eggs are blended in, stir in the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract. The kitchen will instantly smell like citrus heaven.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Elements

Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the wet mixture in three parts, starting and ending with the dry. Gently mix until just combined—don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose that tender crumb.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the gloriously fragrant batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. When a toothpick declared clean from the center, you know your Luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe is ready. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

As your cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and zest to make the glaze. Drizzle this sweet-tangy concoction over the cake once it’s fully cooled—watch it flow into every divot. Time to slice, serve, and savor!

How to Serve Luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh lemon zest or a scattering of extra poppy seeds on top of the glaze transforms your cake into a showstopper. For a touch of elegance, tuck a few thin lemon slices or edible flowers around your platter. These bright and cheerful touches make the Luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe as beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This cake is delightful with a pot of freshly brewed tea, a frothy cappuccino, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a brunch spread, pair it with other springtime favorites: think fresh berries, a crisp green salad, or little bowls of lemon curd to really amp up the citrus fun.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, try cutting the cake into petite cubes and skewering them with fresh fruit for elegant dessert kebabs. Or serve individual slices in mason jars with dollops of whipped cream and raspberries—a picnic-perfect twist. However you serve it, the Luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe never fails to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cake leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, your luscious lemon poppy seed cake stays beautifully moist for up to three days.

Freezing

If you want to make the cake ahead or save a few slices for later, simply wrap whole or sliced, unglazed cake well in foil and then plastic. Freeze for up to two months. If you’re freezing glazed cake, freeze slices individually to keep the glaze in perfect condition.

Reheating

To enjoy your cake warm, defrost completely if frozen, then give individual slices a quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This refreshes the crumb and brings out the lovely tang of the glaze—almost as good as freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream in this recipe, bringing similar moisture and tang while keeping the cake dense and tender. Just use the same amount.

How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan?

Be sure to thoroughly grease every nook and cranny of your Bundt or loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. For extra insurance, dust with flour after greasing, and always let the cake cool briefly before turning it out.

Can I double the Luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe?

You sure can! Double the ingredients and bake in two pans, or make a beautiful tiered dessert for a special celebration. Just keep in mind baking times may vary with different pan sizes.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

A Microplane zester is your best friend here—gently rub the lemon against the blades to collect just the bright yellow zest, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for the best lemony punch.

Why is my cake dry?

Dry cakes are usually the result of overbaking or too much flour. Start checking doneness at 50 minutes, and be careful not to overmix or pack in flour when measuring. The sour cream also helps guarantee a moist crumb every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for the kind of cake that brings big, sunny flavor to every table, this Luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe is just calling your name. It’s truly the best blend of simple ingredients and citrus flair—easy enough for any occasion, and guaranteed to make everyone smile. Bake it soon and spread a little lemon love!

Luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds with this luscious lemon poppy seed cake recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this moist and flavorful cake is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-cup Bundt pan or a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, lemon zest, baking soda, and salt.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Add lemon juice and vanilla extract.
Combine the batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 50–60 minutes. Let cool before glazing.
Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Drizzle over the cooled cake.