Moist Poppy Seed Cake

Elevate your dessert game with this incredibly moist poppy seed cake, a tender and buttery treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Infused with a subtle crunch from nutty poppy seeds and the optional brightness of fresh lemon zest, this cake balances rich, creamy ingredients like sour cream and milk to achieve an irresistibly soft crumb. Whether baked in a classic bundt pan or a round cake tin, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Ready in just over an hour, this easy-to-follow recipe will quickly become a family favorite for holidays, brunches, or a simple midweek indulgence.

Nutriscore Rating: 45/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1.75 cups Granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 3 tablespoons Poppy seeds
• 0.75 cups Unsalted butter, softened
• 4 Large eggs
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Milk
• 0.5 cups Sour cream
• 1 teaspoons Lemon zest (optional, for flavor)
• 0.25 cups Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch bundt pan or a regular 9-inch round pan and lightly dust it with flour. Tap out any excess flour.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest, if using.

Step 5

With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 6

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 8

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a simple finishing touch. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1467.9 grams (1467.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4636

Total Fat 206.60g	265%
Saturated Fat 117.20g	586%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 1211mg	404%
Sodium 2567mg	112%
Total Carbohydrate 647.40g	235%
Dietary Fiber 13.60g	49%
Total Sugars 403.70g
Protein 73.40g	147%

Vitamin D 267IU	1337%
Calcium 1037mg	80%
Iron 21mg	115%
Potassium 1229mg	26%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.2%

Protein: 6.2%

Carbs: 54.6%