Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Cake (Printable)

Tender cake bursting with fresh lemon zest and poppy seeds, topped with tangy lemon glaze.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
06 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
08 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
09 - Zest of 2 large lemons
10 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

→ Lemon Glaze

13 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
15 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
05 - On low speed, add the dry mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
06 - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface evenly.
07 - Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly after 35 minutes.
08 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice if a thinner consistency is desired.
10 - Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, sprinkle optional lemon zest, and let it set before slicing and serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Moist and tender texture
  • Bright fresh lemon flavor
02 -
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for half the butter for a lighter texture
  • Add a few drops of almond extract for a twist
03 -
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender
  • Tent the cake with foil if browning too quickly
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