Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake (Printable Version)
Moist bundt with lemon zest, poppy seeds, and tangy lemon icing for a sweet tart balance.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cake Components
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
→ Lemon Icing
14 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
16 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Thoroughly grease and flour a 10-12 cup bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are coated for easy release.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended. Set aside.
03 - Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Blend in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
05 - Mix in flour mixture in three additions, alternating with sour cream and milk. Begin and end with flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough texture.
06 - Pour batter evenly into prepared bundt pan, smoothing top. Bake for 45-50 minutes until toothpick inserted into center emerges clean.
07 - Allow cake to cool in pan for 15 minutes. Carefully invert onto wire rack and cool completely before icing.
08 - Whisk together sifted powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency with additional lemon juice if needed.
09 - Drizzle icing evenly over completely cooled cake. Let icing set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Top Tips:
01 -
- The sour cream keeps it incredibly moist for days
- That bright lemon flavor wakes up even the dreariest afternoon
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients blend together seamlessly and prevent curdling
- Overmixing the flour develops gluten, making the cake tough instead of tender
03 -
- Zest your lemons before juicing them, it's much easier to handle
- Sift the powdered sugar before making the glaze to avoid lumps