Lively Ina Garten Lemon Poppyseed Cake Recipe

Lemon poppy seed cake bursts with radiant, citrusy charm that instantly lifts spirits.

Tiny black seeds sprinkle magic across a bright, sunshine-yellow canvas of flavor.

Zesty lemon whispers through each tender crumb, creating a symphony of taste that dances between sweet and tangy.

Soft, delicate layers promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like pure comfort.

Every slice carries a subtle nutty undertone that adds unexpected depth to this classic dessert.

The recipe transforms humble ingredients into a spectacular treat that beckons you closer with its irresistible aroma.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 10

Lemon Poppyseed Cake Ingredient Checklist (Ina Garten)

• Buttermilk: Choose full-fat version for richer, more tender cake texture.
• Butter: Select high-quality unsalted butter at room temperature for smooth creaming.
• Eggs: Use fresh, large eggs at room temperature for better incorporation.
• Lemon Juice: Pick bright, firm lemons with vibrant yellow skin for maximum zestiness.
• Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure extract over imitation for deeper, more complex flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Sift to eliminate lumps and ensure light, even cake structure.
• Cornstarch: Helps create tender crumb and prevents gluten development.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Check expiration dates for maximum rising potential.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar: Use for both cake batter and syrup soaking.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Select fine-ground variety for smooth, silky glaze.
• Poppy Seeds: Choose fresh, dark seeds with nutty aroma for best texture.
• Lemon Zest: Grate only bright yellow part for intense citrus essence without bitterness.

Equipment Guide for Lemon Poppyseed Cake

• Stand Mixer: Powerful kitchen tool for creaming butter and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for combining buttermilk and poppy seeds.
• 10-inch Bundt Pan: Iconic cake mold that gives signature ring shape.
• Non-stick Baking Spray: Ensures easy cake release without sticking.
• Sifter: Essential for evenly blending dry ingredients without lumps.
• Whisk: Helps create smooth lemon glaze and syrup.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Mixing Spatula: Great for scraping down mixer bowl and folding ingredients.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing for clean insertion.
• Small Saucepan: Used for preparing hot lemon syrup.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
• Zester or Grater: Helps create fresh lemon zest for bright flavor.
• Kitchen Towel: Useful for handling hot pan and cleaning up spills.

Bake Lemon Poppyseed Cake in Easy Steps

Craft Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Wonderland

• Mix Flavor Base

Combine buttermilk and poppy seeds in a cozy bowl, letting them mingle and dance for two hours at room temperature. While they get acquainted, warm up your oven to a toasty 350°F and lovingly coat a Bundt pan with non-stick spray.

• Create Creamy Foundation

Grab your stand mixer and transform softened butter and sugar into a cloud-like dream. Whip until pillowy and light, then gently fold in eggs one by one. Sprinkle in vanilla and bright lemon zest, scraping down sides to ensure every bit gets incorporated.

• Blend Dry Magic

Sift together flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda into a whisper-light mixture that will give your cake its perfect texture.

• Assemble Cake Symphony

Splash lemon juice into the buttermilk blend, then gracefully alternate adding flour and liquid to your creamy base. Fold gently, just until everything harmonizes – no overmixing allowed!

• Bake and Soak

Pour batter into your prepared pan and bake until golden and a toothpick emerges clean. While still warm, drench the cake with a zingy lemon syrup, letting it soak up every droplet of tangy goodness.

• Finish with Glaze Brilliance

Whisk confectioners’ sugar with fresh lemon juice to create a silky glaze. Drizzle artfully over the cooled cake, letting it cascade down the curves. Wait briefly for the glaze to set before serving your masterpiece.

Variations and Glaze Tips for Ina’s Cake

• Master Moisture Magic: Add Greek yogurt or sour cream to enhance cake's tenderness and prevent dryness, creating an ultra-soft crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Poppy Seed Swap: Replace traditional poppy seeds with chia seeds or toasted sesame seeds for unique texture and nutty undertones that complement the bright lemon flavor.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Infuse additional citrus zest like orange or lime into the batter for complex, layered flavor profiles that elevate the classic lemon cake experience.
• Texture Transformation: Create mini Bundt cakes or cupcakes by adjusting baking time to 20-25 minutes, perfect for portion control and elegant individual servings.

Serving Lemon Poppyseed Cake Beautifully

• Brunch Best Friend: Slice this zesty lemon poppy seed Bundt cake alongside fresh berries and a steaming cup of coffee for a delightful weekend morning treat.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve small elegant wedges on a decorative plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar, perfect for elegant tea gatherings.
• Dessert Finale: Pair a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to elevate the cake's bright citrus flavors.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in clear cellophane with a ribbon for a homemade present that spreads sweet joy to friends and family.

How to Store This Zesty Cake

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Advance Baking Prep: Measure and sift dry ingredients the night before baking to streamline morning preparation and reduce kitchen stress.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum moisture retention and flavor preservation.
• Freezing Method: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months without glaze for perfect make-ahead dessert options.
• Room Temperature Serving: Remove cake from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture and enhance its delicate lemon flavor profile.

Elegant Lemon Poppyseed Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s lemon poppyseed cake delights with its zesty citrus notes and delicate crumb. Bakers will enjoy this classic dessert that balances tangy lemon flavor with sweet, tender cake texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ½ cups (500 g) granulated sugar
• 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ lb (227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 extra-large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• ¾ cup (180 ml) lemon juice
• ⅓ cup poppy seeds
• ⅓ cup lemon zest (from 4–5 large lemons)
• 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tbsps lemon juice
• Nonstick baking spray with flour (e.g., Baker’s Joy)

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Instructions

1. Seed Infusion: Marinate poppy seeds in buttermilk for 2 hours. Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly spray a 10-inch Bundt pan with non-stick coating.
2. Butter Cream Mixture: Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, blending completely. Incorporate vanilla and lemon zest, scraping bowl sides to maintain consistent texture.
3. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together, ensuring even distribution without lumps.
4. Batter Integration: Mix lemon juice into buttermilk-poppy seed mixture. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture to creamed butter base, starting and ending with flour mixture to achieve optimal consistency.
5. Baking and Syrup Treatment: Pour batter into Bundt pan, spreading evenly. Bake 40-50 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. Simultaneously, create lemon syrup by dissolving sugar in lemon juice. Immediately after removing from oven, saturate cake with warm syrup and let rest for 30 minutes.
6. Glaze Finale: Whisk confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Elegantly drizzle glaze over cooled cake, allowing it to flow down the Bundt pan’s distinctive ridges.

Notes

• Poppy Seed Soak: Marinate poppy seeds in buttermilk for 2 hours to enhance flavor depth and soften seeds.
• Zest Technique: Grate lemon zest carefully to capture intense citrus oils without bitter white pith.
• Baking Precision: Use wooden skewer test to confirm cake doneness; clean skewer indicates perfectly baked interior.
• Syrup Absorption: Pour warm lemon syrup immediately after baking to create a moist, intensely flavored cake that stays fresh longer.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg