Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Cake with Creamy Cheese Frosting: A Bright and Flavorful Delight

Experience the refreshing zest of lemon combined with the crunch of poppy seeds in this delightful Lemon Poppy Seed Cake. Topped with a silky cream cheese frosting, this cake offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, making it an irresistible treat. The addition of lemon-infused hot water and a touch of yellow food coloring brings out a vibrant and cheerful color, enhancing the overall appeal of this baked delight.

Why You’ll Love This: The unique twist of hot lemon water in the batter not only intensifies the lemony flavor but also ensures a moist and fluffy texture. Poppy seeds add a slight crunch and nuttiness to each bite, creating a complex texture that complements the creamy frosting. This cake is a showstopper, thanks to its bright flavor and stunning presentation.

Perfect Occasion: This cake is ideal for spring and summer gatherings, such as picnics, garden parties, or family brunches. It’s also a fantastic choice for celebrating special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries or simply as a delightful weekend treat to enjoy with tea or coffee.

Decoration Tips: Garnish the frosted cake with additional lemon zest and a sprinkle of poppy seeds to emphasize its flavors and add visual interest. For a more festive look, you can add edible flowers or lemon slices around the edges or on top of the cake.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cake flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter-flavored shortening (or vegetable shortening)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 heaping teaspoon lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
• 3 tablespoons hot lemon water (hot water mixed with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice)
• 1-2 drops yellow food coloring (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 to 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (adjust according to sweetness preference)

Method:

1. Preparation:
   • Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch dark cake pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, sift together both flours, baking soda, baking powder, poppy seeds, and salt.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
   • In another large bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, and shortening until smooth.
   • Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
   • Mix the distilled vinegar into the hot lemon water, then stir this into the batter.
   • If using, add the food coloring to reach the desired shade of yellow.
5. Baking:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan, tapping the pan to remove air bubbles.
   • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
   • Let the cake cool in the pan until it can be handled, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Frosting:
   • Cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the frosting is creamy.
   • Chill the frosting if needed to firm it up before spreading on the cooled cake.

Enjoy this zesty and luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Cake, topped with a creamy cheese frosting, perfect for adding a splash of brightness to any day!