Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake (Printable)
Moist bundt cake with fresh lemon flavor, crunchy poppy seeds, and sweet tangy glaze. Serves 12.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cake
01 - 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
06 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
07 - 2 cups granulated sugar
08 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
10 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
12 - 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
→ Glaze
13 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
15 - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease and flour a 10 to 12 cup bundt pan.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
05 - Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just incorporated; do not overmix.
06 - Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and zest until smooth and pourable. Add additional lemon juice if needed for desired consistency.
10 - Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Allow it to set before slicing and serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between the tender crumb and crunchy poppy seeds creates this incredible texture that grocery store versions can never match.
- The bright lemon flavor manages to be both sophisticated and comforting, making it perfect for casual gatherings or those moments when you need to impress without seeming like youre trying too hard.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter after adding flour will develop gluten and lead to a tougher, less tender cake, so fold gently once the dry ingredients join the party.
- The cake tastes even better the day after baking, as the flavors have time to meld and the texture becomes more moist, something I discovered by accident when company canceled at the last minute.
03 -
- Tossing your poppy seeds in a teaspoon of the measured flour before adding them helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
- For the most vibrant lemon flavor, rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips before creaming with butter, which releases the essential oils and infuses the entire cake.