Lemon Poppyseed Gooey Butter Cake: A Citrusy, Creamy Delight

This Lemon Poppyseed Gooey Butter Cake is a heavenly blend of bright lemon flavors and a rich, gooey texture. The lemon cake base is perfectly complemented by a creamy lemon poppyseed filling, making each bite a delightful combination of tart, sweet, and creamy. The addition of poppyseeds adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal, while the vanilla ice cream on the side provides a cool, smooth contrast.

Why You’ll Love This: This cake is a wonderful treat for lemon lovers, combining the zesty freshness of lemon with the rich, buttery texture of a gooey butter cake. The dual layers of lemon cake and creamy filling offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better, making it a hit at any gathering.

Perfect Occasion: Ideal for spring and summer gatherings, this cake is perfect for brunches, afternoon teas, or as a refreshing dessert after a meal. It’s also a great choice for celebrations such as birthdays, baby showers, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious homemade treat.

Decoration Tips:

1. Dust the top with a generous amount of powdered sugar for a classic finish.
2. Garnish with thin slices of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of additional lemon zest for an extra burst of color and flavor.
3. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the dessert experience.
4. Add a few fresh mint leaves on the plate for a pop of green and a hint of freshness.

Ingredients:

• Lemon Cake Base:
  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest
  • 8 tbsp salted butter, melted
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Lemon Poppyseed Filling:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp poppyseeds
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • Extra powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round springform pan or baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Make the Lemon Cake Base:
   • In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a large bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest, rubbing them together with your fingers to release the oils.
   • Slowly pour in the melted butter while whisking, then add the egg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and frothy.
   • Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined (the batter will be thick). Set aside.
3. Make the Lemon Poppyseed Filling:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
   • Add the salt, egg yolks, lemon juice, poppyseeds, and lemon zest. Mix until creamy.
4. Assemble the Cake:
   • Spread the lemon cake batter evenly in the prepared pan. Pour the lemon poppyseed filling over the top.
   • Place the pan on a larger baking sheet to catch any overflow. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is slightly puffed.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Remove the sides of the pan and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Dust with powdered sugar and slice. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy this delightful Lemon Poppyseed Gooey Butter Cake, a perfect blend of tangy lemon, creamy filling, and a hint of crunch from the poppyseeds!