Description
Bright, citrusy, and wonderfully soft, this Moist Lemon Poppy Seed Cake is the perfect treat for lemon lovers. It combines the zing of fresh lemon juice and zest with the satisfying crunch of poppy seeds—all wrapped up in a fluffy, tender cake that’s soaked in a lemon glaze for extra moisture. Whether served for brunch, dessert, or with a cup of tea, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp poppy seeds
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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Zest of 2 lemons
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½ cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
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½ cup vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (adjust for desired thickness)
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Optional: extra lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan & Oven
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
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In a bowl, mix flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
4. In a large bowl, rub lemon zest into sugar with your fingers to release oils.
5. Add yogurt, oil, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry
6. Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet until just combined—do not overmix.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
8. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Add the Glaze
11. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
12. Drizzle over cooled cake. Sprinkle with extra zest if desired.
13. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use Fresh Lemons – Bottled juice doesn’t compare to fresh lemon zest and juice.
Don’t Skip the Yogurt – It keeps the cake moist and tender.
Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon and level for accuracy.
Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
Let it Cool – Glaze only after the cake is cool to avoid melting it off.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American