Classic Lemon Poppy Seed Spring Cake

Name: Classic Lemon Poppy Seed Spring Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

A bright and refreshing cake that perfectly captures the flavors of spring with every zesty bite.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 American· July 18, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

35 minutes

Total

50 minutes

Serves

Spring is such a wonderful time to get together with friends and family. Whether you are hosting an Easter brunch or celebrating a baby shower, this lemon poppy seed cake is always a crowd favorite because it is so light and fresh.

I love serving this at tea parties because it looks beautiful on any table. My best tip is to make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing, as this helps the batter come together smoothly and ensures a perfect rise.

🧺 Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons poppy seeds

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a standard cake pan.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix just until combined.
6
Gently fold in the poppy seeds by hand.
7
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8
Let the cake cool in the pan for ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

💡 Tips

Store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It tastes even better when topped with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a dollop of fresh whipped cream and berries. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to a month if you wrap them tightly in plastic.

#spring #dessert #cake #baking #vegetarian

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