Introduction

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake with Glazed Icing is a classic dessert that perfectly balances zesty citrus flavor with a light, moist crumb. The subtle crunch of poppy seeds adds texture and elegance, while the sweet, tangy glaze enhances every bite with a silky finish. This cake is ideal for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or even as a refreshing dessert after dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is both comforting and sophisticated. The natural brightness of lemon lifts the rich buttery cake, making it feel lighter and more refreshing.

The poppy seeds offer an unexpectedly delightful crunch, adding a subtle nutty flavor that complements the tangy glaze beautifully. It’s a cake that looks gorgeous on the table and tastes even better than it looks.

This Is a must try dish

This is a must-try dessert because it combines the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The lemon keeps it fresh and vibrant, the poppy seeds provide a unique texture, and the glaze brings everything together with just the right touch of sweetness.

It’s versatile enough to serve for casual family moments or special occasions, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Calories: ~320 kcal per slice
• Course: Dessert / Tea-time treat
• Cuisine: American / European-inspired

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

For the Glazed Icing:

• 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a 9-inch round cake pan, and line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and lemon zest.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in lemon juice.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or juice if needed.
10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and allow it to set for 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep the Pan: Grease and line your cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds in a bowl.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat until fluffy to incorporate air for a light cake.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and lemon zest for fragrance.
5. Combine Dry and Wet: Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk for a smooth, even batter.
6. Add Lemon Juice: Stir gently, enhancing moisture and lemon flavor.
7. Bake: Bake at 350°F for about 50–60 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.
8. Cool Cake: Let cake rest, then remove from pan to prevent sogginess.
9. Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest until pourable.
10. Glaze Cake: Drizzle and let it set before slicing.

How to Serve

• Serve slices with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast treat.
• Garnish with extra lemon zest or thin lemon slices for presentation.
• Works beautifully for brunches, baby showers, or as a light dessert after dinner.

Recipe Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix once dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense cake.
• For extra flavor, add ½ tsp almond extract alongside vanilla.
• Check cake 5 minutes before baking time ends; ovens vary.

Variations

1. Yogurt Lemon Cake: Substitute buttermilk with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.
2. Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. Citrus Twist: Add orange or lime zest for a different citrus flavor.
4. Nutty Variation: Fold in ¼ cup slivered almonds for added crunch.
5. Lemon Drizzle Bundt: Bake in a bundt pan for a decorative presentation.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 7 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan or 9-inch round pan
• Wire cooling rack
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer (hand or stand)

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this cake vegan?
A1: Yes, substitute eggs with flax eggs (4 tbsp flaxseed + 12 tbsp water) and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

Q2: Can I skip the glaze?
A2: Yes, the cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze enhances flavor and presentation.

Q3: Can I make muffins instead of a cake?
A3: Absolutely! Reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes for standard muffin tins.

Q4: Can I use lime instead of lemon?
A4: Yes, it will give a different but refreshing citrus flavor.

Q5: How do I avoid the glaze from soaking into the cake?
A5: Make sure the cake is completely cooled before adding the glaze.

Conclusion

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake with Glazed Icing is a bright, flavorful, and elegant dessert that never fails to impress. Its moist texture, poppy seed crunch, and tangy lemon glaze make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether for a special celebration or a cozy tea-time treat, this cake is versatile, easy to make, and absolutely irresistible. With options for variations and easy storage methods, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.