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Lemon Poppy Seed Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting | Moist & Zesty Layer Cake Recipe

  • Author: Mary

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 3 cups cake flour

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

  • 4 large eggs

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest

  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

  • 3 tablespoons poppy seeds

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 4 cups powdered sugar

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

 

  1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Mix in vanilla extract.

  5. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

  6. Add Lemon and Poppy Seeds: Gently fold in lemon zest, lemon juice, and poppy seeds.

  7. Bake: Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake for 20–23 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  8. Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

  9. Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, beating well. Mix in vanilla and enough milk or cream to get your desired consistency.

  10. Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting on top. Repeat with second layer. Add the third layer and apply a thin crumb coat. Chill for 15 minutes.

  11. Final Frosting: Frost top and sides of cake evenly.

  12. Optional Decoration: Add lemon zest, berries, or edible flowers on top for a special touch.

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Find it online: https://tastykitchendelight.com/lemon-poppy-seed-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-moist-zesty-layer-cake-recipe/