Ina Garten Lemon Poppyseed Cake Recipe
Ina Garten Lemon Poppyseed Cake Recipe is moist, soft and full of bright lemon flavor. It is perfect for tea time or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup lemon juice
For the Lemon Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Set aside while preparing the batter.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and poppy seeds. Whisk together until evenly mixed. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a soft, tender cake texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Stir gently. Add sour cream, lemon zest and lemon juice. Mix until just combined.
Pour Batter into Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles.
Bake the Cake
- Bake for 50–55 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The cake should be golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven.
Prepare Lemon Glaze
- While the cake cools, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency with more juice if needed.
Glaze the Cake
- Cool cake for 10 minutes. Drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the top. Let it soak slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for bright flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Use room-temperature butter for easier mixing.
- Tap the pan to remove air bubbles for even baking.
- Let the cake cool slightly before glazing.