Imagine this: it’s a sunny Sunday morning, the kind that’s just perfect for a little indulgence. What better way to enjoy it than with a slice of moist, lemony cake peppered with tiny poppy seeds and topped with a lusciously creamy frosting? If that sounds like a slice of heaven to you, then you’re in the right place.
This Lemon Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a true delight, pairing the zesty punch of lemon with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, all smoothed over with a velvety cream cheese frosting. It's a cake that promises to bring a bit of sunshine into even the dreariest of days. Perfect for those moments when you want something sweet but with a tangy twist, this recipe is your ticket to a blissful baking adventure. So, let’s get zesting and whisking!
For the Cake:
- 1 cup sugar (Sweetness? Check!)
- Zest of 2 lemons (for that zingy lemony spark)
- 3 eggs (the backbone of any cake)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (a whisper of flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar (our homemade buttermilk-like magic)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (because more lemon = more love)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (the foundation)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder & 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (to lift it up, up, up!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweet)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (for that fun little crunch)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (richness in every bite)
For the Frosting:
- 3 oz softened cream cheese (creaminess galore)
- 1/4 cup softened butter (because butter makes everything better)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (just a dash)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (sweet, sweet love)
Let’s Bake!
- Prep Time: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (nice and hot!) and prep a 9-inch cake pan with a spritz of nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside for now.
- Sugar & Lemon Zest Party: In a large bowl, work together the sugar and lemon zest until your kitchen smells like lemon grove. The mixture will look like damp sand - only much more delicious, I promise. Mix in your eggs and vanilla until smooth like jazz.
- Milk Mix: In a liquid measuring cup, stir together milk, vinegar, and that extra splash of lemon juice. Let it mingle.
- Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix-a-thon: Now, take turns adding the wet and dry ingredients into your sugar mix. Start and end with dry, and stir only until just combined. Love your batter, but don’t overmix.
- Poppy & Melted Butter: Gently fold in the poppy seeds and then the melted butter. The mix should look dreamy by now.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your ready pan, slide it into the oven, and bake for 45-55 minutes. When a toothpick comes out clean, you know you’ve nailed it.
- Cool: Let your cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before moving it to a rack to cool down completely. Patience is a virtue.
Frosting Time:
Whip together cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until it's so light and fluffy it could fly away.
Once your cake is cool, spread the frosting over the top with all the love in your heart. Then, slice, serve, and watch it disappear!
There you have it, folks - a recipe that’s sure to brighten your table and your mood. Dive into the kitchen and bring this Lemon Poppyseed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting to life. It’s like a bite of sunshine, no matter the weather. Enjoy your baking (and eating) adventure!