Fluffy Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake Recipe That Melts Hearts

Whipping up a delightful lemon poppy seed pudding cake brings sunshine to your kitchen table.

Citrusy notes dance through soft, moist layers waiting to surprise you.

Bright flavors merge with delicate crumbs that practically melt on your tongue.

Subtle poppy seeds add gentle texture and unexpected crunch to each delectable bite.

Mediterranean lemons infuse this dessert with vibrant, refreshing energy that feels both classic and modern.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet elegant treat with confidence.

Your next sweet adventure starts right here, promising pure deliciousness in every slice.

What Makes Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake So Irresistible

• Savor Citrusy Delight: Bursting with bright lemon flavor, this pudding cake offers a tangy and refreshing taste that dances on your taste buds.
• Master Baking with Ease: Beginner-friendly recipe with straightforward steps and common ingredients, making it perfect for home bakers looking to impress without stress.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile treat suitable for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or a sweet ending to any meal, guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone's faces.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Adaptable recipe that allows personal touches like adding extra zest, experimenting with different glazes, or incorporating mix-ins for a unique twist.

Everything You Need for Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic baking staple that provides the foundational structure for the pudding cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: These essential leavening agents help the cake rise and maintain a light, tender texture.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar: These ingredients create a rich, sweet base that helps develop the cake's creamy consistency.
• Eggs: Fresh eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's smooth, tender crumb.
• Sour Cream, Vegetable Oil: These moisture-rich ingredients ensure the pudding cake remains soft and deliciously tender.
• Vanilla Extract, Fresh Lemon Zest: These flavor enhancers add depth and bright citrus notes to the cake.

• Poppy Seeds, Fresh Lemon Juice: These ingredients provide subtle crunch and additional tangy lemon flavor to the pudding cake.
• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice: These components combine to create a smooth, zesty glaze that adds a sweet and citrusy finish to the cake.

Steps to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake Shine

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 350°F and coat a 9-inch cake pan with a generous layer of butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, blend softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs Gradually

Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth batter.

Step 5: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Sour cream
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh lemon zest

Stir until completely combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Fold in Poppy Seeds and Lemon

Carefully mix in poppy seeds and fresh lemon juice, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.

Step 10: Cool Down

Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 11: Create Lemon Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until you achieve a smooth, slightly runny consistency.

Step 12: Glaze and Finish

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to elegantly cascade down the sides.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Let the glaze set for 5-10 minutes, then slice and serve your delightful lemon poppy seed pudding cake.

Tips for Nailing Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake

• Zest Like a Pro: Use fresh, organic lemons for maximum flavor and aroma, ensuring the brightest citrus notes in your pudding cake.
• Prevent Dry Edges: Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender, moist texture throughout the cake, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
• Poppy Seed Distribution: Fold poppy seeds gently into the batter to prevent sinking and ensure an even spread of these delightful little seeds.
• Glaze Consistency Trick: Adjust the lemon glaze by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker coating or more lemon juice for a lighter drizzle.
• Storage Hack: Keep the cake fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Flavor Combos to Try with Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake

• Lavender Lemon Dream: Replace poppy seeds with dried lavender buds, adding subtle floral notes to the classic lemon pudding cake.
• Almond Citrus Burst: Incorporate almond extract and replace poppy seeds with sliced almonds for a nutty, zesty flavor profile.
• Blueberry Lemon Swirl: Fold fresh blueberries into the batter and create a marbled effect by gently swirling them through the cake before baking.
• Olive Oil Mediterranean: Substitute vegetable oil with extra virgin olive oil and add a hint of rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired version of the pudding cake.

What to Serve with Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake

• Pair with Refreshing Herbal Tea: Steep a light, citrusy chamomile or mint tea that complements the lemon's bright flavor and enhances the cake's delicate texture.
• Complement with Lavender Honey Drizzle: Create a subtle lavender-infused honey to drizzle alongside the cake, adding a floral note that balances the tangy lemon and poppy seed profile.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Mascarpone: Whip together mascarpone cheese with a touch of vanilla and powdered sugar to create a smooth, rich accompaniment that cuts through the cake's zesty character.
• Serve with Chilled Lemon Sorbet: Offer a small scoop of lemon sorbet on the side to amplify the citrus notes and provide a cool, palate-cleansing contrast to the warm cake.

Storing Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake the Right Way

• Store the lemon poppy seed pudding cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve its moisture.
• Wrap the completely cooled cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep the cake at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days if you plan to enjoy it quickly. Ensure the storage area is cool and away from direct sunlight.
• Apply the lemon glaze just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture. Store the glaze separately in a refrigerated container if preparing in advance.

Answers About Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake

• Why are poppy seeds used in this recipe?

Poppy seeds add a delightful nutty crunch and subtle earthy flavor that complements the bright, tangy lemon notes in the cake, creating a more complex and interesting texture.

• Can I substitute sour cream with another ingredient?

Greek yogurt works perfectly as a substitute for sour cream, providing similar moisture and tanginess to the cake while maintaining its soft, tender crumb.

• How do I know if I'm overmixing the batter?

Stop mixing when the dry ingredients are just incorporated and no visible flour streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake instead of a light, fluffy texture.

Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5-10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Silky lemon poppy seed pudding cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to dessert tables with its zesty charm. Delicate crumb and tangy notes create a memorable sweet experience you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup poppy seeds
• 3 lemons (zest and juice)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda

Garnish/Topping:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking together to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer at medium speed for approximately 3 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, uniform batter.
5. Gently fold in sour cream, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon zest, stirring until completely integrated.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed until just combined to prevent overmixing.
7. Fold in poppy seeds and fresh lemon juice, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
8. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
10. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
11. Prepare the lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth and slightly runny.
12. Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
13. Let the glaze set for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving the pudding cake.

Notes

• Softening butter beforehand ensures smoother mixing and creates a more tender cake texture.
• Room temperature eggs blend more evenly, preventing potential lumps in the batter and promoting better rising.
• Zesting lemons carefully avoids the bitter white pith, capturing only the bright, fragrant outer layer for maximum flavor.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; stop stirring as soon as ingredients are just combined.
• Gluten-free alternative works perfectly by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Fresh lemon juice provides more vibrant citrus notes compared to bottled juice, elevating the overall taste profile.
• Adding a pinch of cream of tartar can help stabilize the egg whites for an extra light and fluffy cake texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg