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Ina Garten's lemon poppyseed cake with lemon glaze and poppy seeds

Lemon Poppyseed Cake

A moist and fluffy cake bursting with lemon flavor and topped with a creamy glaze, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert, Tea
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Forms the base and gives structure.
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder Helps the cake rise.
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda Aids in leavening.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Balances flavors.
  • 1/4 cup Poppy Seeds Provides crunch and nutty flavor.

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Adds moisture and flavor.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cake.
  • 2 large Eggs Binds the mixture.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest Adds zesty flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice Provides bright flavor.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Adds depth and warmth.
  • 1/2 cup Buttermilk Keeps the cake moist.

Glaze

  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar For sweetness in the glaze.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Adds tangy flavor to the glaze.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest Enhances the glaze with citrus flavor.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Mixing

  • Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition.
  • Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the mixture, alternating between them and mixing just until combined.
  • Fold in the poppy seeds gently.

Baking

  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.

Glazing and Serving

  • In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest for the glaze.
  • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
  • Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for the best mixing. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy. Zest lemons before juicing for a fresher flavor.
Keyword Baking, Dessert Recipe, Easy Cake, Lemon Cake, Poppyseed Cake