Sunny Lemon Poppy Seed Cake: A Taste of Spring in Every Slice

Embrace the essence of spring with this delightful Lemon Poppy Seed Cake, perfect for brightening up any afternoon tea. With a zesty lemon flavor complemented by the subtle crunch of ground poppy seeds, this cake offers a refreshing tartness that pairs beautifully with its sweet, moist base. The aroma of lemon and baking will fill your home, inviting everyone to indulge in a slice of sunshine.

Why You’ll Love This:

• Vibrant Lemon Flavor: Fresh lemon zest and a tangy lemon syrup soak into the cake, infusing it with a bright citrusy taste that’s both invigorating and comforting.
• Unique Texture: The addition of poppy seeds gives the cake a lovely bite, enhancing its texture and visual appeal.
• Simple Elegance: While sophisticated in flavor and appearance, this cake is surprisingly easy to make, ensuring you can impress without stress.

Perfect Occasion:

This Lemon Poppy Seed Cake is an ideal choice for spring and summer gatherings, especially for occasions like Mother’s Day, bridal showers, or simply enjoying a leisurely weekend afternoon. It’s also perfect for Easter celebrations and picnics.

Decoration Tips:

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar not only adds a touch of sweetness but also enhances the cake’s visual appeal.
• Lemon Slices and Zest: Garnish with thin slices of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest to emphasize the citrus theme.
• Edible Flowers: Decorate with edible flowers such as pansies or violets for a beautiful, spring-like presentation.

Ingredients for Cake Batter:

• 3 large eggs
• 150 grams Greek yogurt (2%-5% fat)
• 150 grams vegetable or olive oil
• 60 grams ground poppy seeds
• 230 grams granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 medium lemons
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 250 grams all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Ingredients for Lemon Syrup:

• 100-150 grams of lemon juice
• 90-100 grams of granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (356°F) and prepare your baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, Greek yogurt, oil, lemon zest, and sugar. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
3. Prepare Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a silicone spatula until just combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Add Poppy Seeds: Divide the batter into two bowls. Stir the ground poppy seeds into one of the bowls.
6. Create Marble Effect: Pour the batter alternately from both bowls into the prepared pan to create a marbled effect.
7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, bake for an additional 5-7 minutes.
8. Prepare Syrup: While the cake bakes, prepare the lemon syrup by mixing lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
9. Cool and Soak: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then pour the lemon syrup over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
10. Final Touch: After the cake has absorbed the syrup and cooled completely, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Enjoy this Lemon Poppy Seed Cake as a refreshing treat that brings a slice of spring to your table, perfect for making any occasion a little brighter!