Best Poppy Seed Cake Recipe – Moist, Fluffy, Citrusy

Poppy Seed Cake Recipe – A classic Poppy Seed Cake Recipe is a timeless dessert loved for its soft, airy texture and deliciously nutty flavor. Poppy seeds bring a unique crunch and depth to the cake, creating a balance between sweetness, richness, and a subtle earthy taste.

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This cake is often paired with lemon or vanilla to enhance its aromatic qualities, making it a refreshing choice for spring gatherings, brunches, celebrations, or everyday indulgence.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Active Mixing Time: 10 minutes

• Baking/Resting Time: 40–50 minutes

• Total Time: 65–75 minutes

• Cuisine: European, American

• Course: Dessert, Tea-Time Cake

• Servings: 10–12 slices

• Calories: ~310 per slice

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Key Flavor Ingredient

• ¼ cup poppy seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan or round cake pan, or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the poppy seeds and blend well. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step builds the cake’s airy structure.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Flavorings

Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and fragrant.

Step 5: Add Sour Cream

Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). It helps create a moist, tender crumb that’s rich without being heavy.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until the batter is smooth—avoid overmixing to preserve fluffiness.

Step 7: Transfer & Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the surface and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool & Finish

Allow the cake to rest for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. Cool fully on a wire rack.

Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with lemon glaze before serving.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls

• Electric mixer or hand whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Spatula

• Bundt or round cake pan

• Cooling rack

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

Nutritional values vary slightly based on brand and measurements.

Why This Cake Is Unique

Poppy seeds give this cake its signature flavor—nutty, warm, and mildly earthy. Combined with lemon zest, vanilla, and sour cream, the cake becomes ultra-soft, flavorful, and simply irresistible. The seeds provide a gentle crunch without overpowering the texture, making the cake feel light and satisfying.

Highlights of This Recipe:

• Moist and tender crumb thanks to sour cream

• Bright lemon flavor that balances sweetness

• Perfect for tea time or breakfast with coffee

• Simple ingredients yet gourmet results

• Beautiful presentation in a bundt or loaf pan

This cake is an excellent alternative to heavily frosted desserts. It stands out for its simplicity, elegance, and clean flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This poppy seed cake delivers everything a great dessert should—sweetness, texture, aroma, and incredible moistness. It’s simple enough for everyday baking yet elegant enough for celebrations. Whether you serve it plain or enhance it with glaze or toppings, it always feels refined, comforting, and delicious.