Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Refreshing: The lemon juice and zest create a refreshing citrus flavor that’s perfect for spring and summer.
• Moist and Tender: The pudding filling keeps the cake soft and moist with every bite.
• Layered for Perfection: The combination of cake, pudding, frosting, and glaze makes for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

2. Bake the Cake:

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and spread it out evenly.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Lemon Pudding Filling:

• Prepare the lemon pudding by mixing the pudding mix with 2 cups of milk, whisking until smooth.
• Let it chill until set, about 10 minutes.

4. Make the Lemon Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.

5. Prepare the Frosting:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and creamy.

6. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
• Spread the lemon pudding evenly over the top.
• Place the second cake layer on top.
• Frost the cake with the lemon buttercream frosting, covering the top and sides evenly.
• Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cake for extra flavor and shine.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice and serve your Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake for a delightful citrus-infused treat!

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 12 servings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Variations

1. Lighter Version:
   • Use Greek yogurt instead of butter for a slightly healthier alternative.
   • Replace sugar with honey or a sugar substitute for a reduced-sugar version.
2. Orange Poppy Seed Cake:
   • Swap lemon juice and zest for orange juice and zest for a citrus variation.
3. Extra Moist Cake:
   • Brush each cake layer with a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, boiled until dissolved) before assembling for extra moisture.
4. Nutty Crunch:
   • Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the batter for added texture.
5. Gluten-Free Alternative:
   • Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this cake suitable for gluten-free diets.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration:
  • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing:
  • Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Reheating:
  • If you prefer a warm slice, microwave for 10-15 seconds, but note that the pudding filling will soften.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days before assembling. The pudding can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge.

How can I prevent my cake from being too dry?

Be sure not to overbake the cake. Checking for doneness with a toothpick is key! Also, using room temperature ingredients helps the batter mix evenly for a moist texture.

Can I use store-bought frosting instead?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought lemon or vanilla frosting will work just fine.

What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Conclusion

This Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake is the ultimate citrus dessert, bursting with fresh lemon flavor and layered with creamy pudding and frosting. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply treating yourself to a refreshing and indulgent cake. Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of sunshine!

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