Experience the delightful blend of zesty and nutty flavors in this Refreshing Lemon Poppy Seed Cake. Infused with the vibrant zest of yellow lemons and speckled with crunchy poppy seeds, this cake offers a perfect balance of citrus tang and subtle texture. The addition of a sweet lemon syrup drizzled over the warm cake ensures each slice is moist, flavorful, and irresistibly aromatic. This cake is not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes with its bright and inviting appearance.
Why You'll Love This: If you're a fan of citrus-flavored desserts, this cake will capture your heart with its bright, sunny flavors and moist texture. The poppy seeds add a delightful crunch and visual appeal, while the lemon syrup enhances the cake's moisture and infuses it with a deeper lemon flavor that is both refreshing and comforting. This cake is easy to make yet sophisticated enough to serve as a centerpiece dessert at any gathering.
Perfect Occasion: This Lemon Poppy Seed Cake is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, afternoon tea parties, or any occasion where a light yet flavorful dessert is desired. It's also an excellent choice for brunches, showers, or as a cheerful dessert that brightens up a winter day with a hint of summer.
Decoration Tips: For a simple yet elegant presentation, sprinkle the top of the cake with powdered sugar or garnish with thin lemon slices and a few whole poppy seeds before serving. You can also decorate around the cake with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a more festive look. If serving at a special event, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet on the side for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 110g of sugar
- 20g of liquid honey
- Zest of 2 yellow lemons
- 110g of cream
- 180g of flour
- 6g of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds
- A pinch of salt
- 60g of melted butter
For the Syrup:
- 30g of water
- 30g of sugar
- 30g of lemon juice
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) and grease a 23-25 cm cake mold.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, honey, and lemon zest until the mixture starts to lighten in color.
- Stir in the cream until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, poppy seeds, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in the slightly cooled melted butter, ensuring the mixture is homogenous.
- Pour the batter into the prepared mold. Draw a line of melted butter down the center of the cake batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup by combining the water, sugar, and lemon juice. Microwave for 2 minutes just before the cake finishes baking.
- Drizzle the warm syrup over the hot cake immediately after removing it from the oven.
- Allow the cake to cool in the mold before unmolding.
Enjoy this Refreshing Lemon Poppy Seed Cake, a beautifully simple yet flavorful dessert that’s sure to delight everyone with its lovely lemony zing and moist, tender crumb!