Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

This Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake is a delightful dessert that brings brightness to any occasion. With a moist texture and a rich lemon flavor accentuated by crunchy poppy seeds, this cake is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying with your afternoon tea. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest elevates the flavor profile, making it a standout treat that friends and family will love.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake
• For the Glaze
• How to Make Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Batter
• Step 3: Bake the Cake
• Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
• Step 5: Serve Your Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
• How to Serve Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
• With Fresh Berries
• With Whipped Cream
• With Lemon Curd
• With Iced Tea
• As Part of a Brunch Spread
• How to Perfect Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
• Best Side Dishes for Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
• Reheating Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other types of lemons?
• How do I know when my cake is done?
• Can I add frosting to my Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake?
• What makes this Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake special?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of Meyer lemons and poppy seeds creates a unique taste that is both refreshing and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this cake can be whipped up quickly, even by beginner bakers.
• Versatile Delight: Perfect for any occasion—birthdays, brunches, or just because you deserve a sweet treat!
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful texture and bright flavors make it a showstopper at any gathering.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch bundt pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly for the best texture.
• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easier, ensuring a light cake.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls to avoid wasting any batter.

Ingredients

This Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake is moist, dense, and packed with lemon flavor and lots of poppy seeds. Both lemon zest and lemon juice are used in the recipe to pump up the lemon flavor. And I love the crunch of poppy seeds so I use 3 tablespoons. It’s a great cake to share with family and friends.

For the Cake

• 4 large (200 grams) eggs (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup (80 grams) full-fat sour cream
• 2 cups (225 grams) sifted cake flour
• 3 tablespoons (27 grams) poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (225 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (2 or 3 lemons)
• 16 tablespoons (227 grams) unsalted butter (room temperature, cut into 8 pieces)
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

For the Glaze

• 3 tablespoons (38 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream or whole milk

How to Make Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your bundt pan well to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the sour cream, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for about 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake bakes:
1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine granulated sugar with fresh lemon juice until dissolved.
2. Stir in unsalted butter until melted.
3. Remove from heat; allow it to cool slightly before drizzling over cooled cake.

Step 5: Serve Your Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Once baked, allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. Once completely cooled, drizzle with glaze before serving.

Enjoy this Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake as an unforgettable treat!

How to Serve Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake is a delightful dessert that pairs well with various accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve slices of cake topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the berries complements the lemon flavor beautifully.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds creaminess and balances the cake’s density. Consider adding a hint of vanilla for extra flavor.

With Lemon Curd

• Spread some homemade or store-bought lemon curd over each slice for an added zesty kick. It enhances the lemony taste and gives a luxurious texture.

With Iced Tea

• Enjoy your cake with a glass of iced tea, either sweetened or unsweetened. The refreshing drink pairs perfectly with the bright flavors in the cake.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake in your brunch menu alongside other pastries and fruits. It makes for a stunning centerpiece on any table.

How to Perfect Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

To ensure your Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Having eggs and butter at room temperature allows for better mixing and results in a lighter cake.
• Sift your flour: Sifting cake flour helps remove lumps and aerates it, leading to a fluffier texture in your cake.
• Don’t skip the zest: The zest adds intense lemon flavor, enhancing the overall taste. Use fresh Meyer lemons for the best results.
• Monitor baking time: Ovens can vary; check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean when done.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the cake to cool ensures that your frosting won’t melt off and helps maintain its shape.
• Store properly: Keep any leftover cake covered at room temperature or refrigerated to maintain freshness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Pairing side dishes with Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delectable options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness that complements the citrus notes in the cake.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with honey and granola for a creamy, crunchy contrast that balances the sweetness.
3. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which provide savory notes that enhance the cake’s flavors.
4. Cucumber Sandwiches: Light cucumber sandwiches offer a refreshing bite that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cake.
5. Tea Sandwiches: Savory tea sandwiches filled with herbs or spreads create an elegant accompaniment to your dessert.
6. Pistachio Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti adds texture and pairs well with coffee or tea served alongside the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking your Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake, avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference in the final product.

• Using cold eggs: Cold eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
• Skipping the zest: The lemon zest is essential for flavor. Make sure to add it; otherwise, your cake may lack that bright citrus taste.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cake dense. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in a tough cake. Mix just until combined to keep it tender and moist.
• Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes to prevent overcooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store your Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake in an airtight container.
• item It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

• item Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• item Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

• item Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for 15-20 seconds.
• item Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake.

Can I use other types of lemons?

Yes, you can substitute other lemons, but Meyer lemons give a unique flavor that is sweeter and less acidic.

How do I know when my cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!

Can I add frosting to my Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake?

Absolutely! A simple lemon glaze or cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with this cake.

What makes this Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake special?

The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest provides intense flavor, while poppy seeds add delightful texture.

Final Thoughts

This Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Cake is not only moist and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding nuts or even berries. Give it a try and share it with family and friends!