Homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake

Introduction

Homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake is a delightful dessert that combines bright lemon flavors with the unique crunch of poppy seeds. This cake is both light and rich, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, having a family gathering, or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress.

Why Make This Recipe

This cake is not only delicious but also easy to make. It has a lovely balance of sweetness and tanginess from the lemon, making it a refreshing choice. The poppy seeds add a nice texture that makes each bite interesting. Furthermore, the creamy lemon pudding and fluffy frosting elevate it to a show-stopping dessert.

How to Make Homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake

Making this cake is simple and fun! Follow these steps to create a delicious dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup poppy seeds
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 cup lemon pudding mix
2 cups milk for pudding
1 cup powdered sugar for glaze
2 tablespoons lemon juice for glaze
1 cup unsalted butter, softened for frosting
1/4 cup powdered sugar for frosting
2 tablespoons lemon juice for frosting
1 tablespoon lemon zest for frosting
1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and eggs until well mixed.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, prepare the lemon pudding by mixing the lemon pudding mix with 2 cups of milk. Chill until set.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to create the glaze.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of lemon pudding on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top.
Frost the top and sides of the layered cake with the lemon frosting.
Finally, drizzle the glaze over the frosted cake.

How to Serve Homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake

Serve this cake on a nice platter, and you can enjoy it plain or with fresh berries on the side. A cup of tea or coffee pairs wonderfully with this dessert, making it a great choice for afternoon gatherings.

How to Store Homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Before serving, let it come to room temperature for the best flavor.

Tips to Make Homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon zest based on your taste preference.
If you want a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon juice or zest in the frosting.

Variation

You can modify this recipe by adding blueberries for a fruity twist or by using a different pudding flavor, like vanilla. Additionally, try using a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version!

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few days before frosting them.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil.
What can I use instead of poppy seeds?
If you don’t have poppy seeds, you can skip them or use chia seeds as a substitute for a similar texture.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake!