Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake (Printable Version)
A moist lemon bundt cake with poppy seeds and tangy lemon icing, delivering perfect sweet-tart harmony.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 2 cups granulated sugar
08 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
10 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
13 - 1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature
→ Icing
14 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
16 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 10-12 cup bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
05 - Gradually mix in the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix only until just incorporated to avoid toughening the cake.
06 - Transfer batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top surface with a spatula for even baking.
07 - Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
08 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack. Let cool completely before applying icing.
09 - Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency with additional lemon juice if necessary.
10 - Drizzle the icing evenly over the completely cooled cake. Allow icing to set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- The texture is incredibly moist thanks to sour cream and a careful mixing method
- Fresh lemon creates brightness that makes people think you spent hours perfecting it
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent curdling and ensure even mixing
- Properly greasing every nook of the bundt pan prevents sticking disasters
03 -
- Brush warm cake with extra lemon juice before icing for intense flavor
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for slightly tangier notes