Homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake
Indulge your senses with the vibrant flavors of this Homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake! Bursting with citrusy goodness and enhanced by the delightful crunch of poppy seeds, this cake is the perfect centerpiece for your dessert table. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or simply a gathering of friends, this cake will surely impress. If you’d like to receive more delightful recipes like this, don’t hesitate to subscribe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake dazzles with its bright, zesty flavor profile that transports you to sunny days with every bite. The fluffy texture combines beautifully with the creamy lemon pudding, delivering a dessert experience that feels both refreshing and indulgent. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a fantastic choice for bakers of all levels—just a handful of steps will reward you with a stunning cake that looks and tastes like a masterpiece. Your family and friends will be raving about this one!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
– 1½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1½ cups granulated sugar
– ¼ cup poppy seeds
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– ½ cup melted butter
– ¼ cup lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 4 large eggs
For the Filling:
– 1 cup lemon pudding mix
– 2 cups milk
For the Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¼ cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Necessary Tools
– Two 8-inch round cake pans
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk
– Electric mixer
– Rubber spatula
– Wire rack
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Don’t have poppy seeds? You can substitute them with chia seeds for a slightly different texture. For added flavor, consider folding in some blueberries or raspberries into the batter. You could also use Greek yogurt in place of milk for a richer taste and extra creaminess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your two cake pans—this will help your cakes release easily!
2. In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and eggs until everything is nicely mixed.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. An overmix can lead to a dense cake, so keep it gentle!
5. Divide the batter evenly in your prepared cake pans and smooth it out.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell divine!
7. After baking, let your cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the cakes are cooling, mix the lemon pudding mix with 2 cups of milk and chill until set.
9. For the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
10. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
11. Once the cakes are cooled, spread a generous layer of lemon pudding on top of one of the cake layers. Place the second layer on top.
12. Use the lemon frosting to frost the top and sides of your layered cake. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the frosted cake for an extra touch of sweetness!
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries make an elegant garnish and add a burst of color!
Pro Tips for Success
– Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best blending.
– When layering the cake, use a serrated knife to level the tops if they domed during baking.
– To save time, prepare the pudding a day ahead and let it chill overnight.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, or you can warm individual slices in the microwave for a cozy treat.
FAQ Section
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Absolutely! Vanilla or cheesecake pudding would work well for a different twist.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of the all-purpose flour, and ensure your pudding mix is also gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will brighten any occasion. Its simplicity and vibrant taste make it a go-to recipe that both novice and experienced bakers can enjoy. We’d love to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a review, share your photos, or tag us on Pinterest or Instagram.
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutritional information per serving:
– Calories: 350
– Total Fat: 18g
– Saturated Fat: 10g
– Cholesterol: 80mg
– Sodium: 150mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 45g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 30g
– Protein: 4g
