Poppy Seed Citrus Cake (Printable View)
A moist, nutty cake featuring poppy seeds and a hint of citrus, perfect for a flavorful treat.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup poppy seeds
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - zest of 1 lemon
10 - 1/2 cup whole milk
11 - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
05 - Mix in half of the dry ingredients, followed by milk and lemon juice. Fold in the remaining dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing.
06 - Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
07 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then release onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The poppy seeds create little pockets of nutty flavor throughout that keep surprising you with each bite.
- It's forgiving enough for beginners but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
- The lemon brings brightness that cuts through the richness without ever feeling sharp or overwhelming.
02 -
- Don't open the oven door before 35 minutes or you'll let out heat and the cake might collapse in the middle.
- Overmixing the batter after the flour goes in is the number one way to end up with a tough, dense cake instead of something tender.
03 -
- If your butter isn't properly softened, let it sit out for 15 minutes; cold butter won't cream properly no matter how hard you beat it.
- Room temperature eggs combine more smoothly and create a better texture; take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking.