City Restaurant Poppy Seed Cake
A luscious poppy seed cake with lemon glaze, featuring a moist texture and bright citrus flavor, perfect for brunch, tea time, or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter and flour a 10-inch tube pan and set aside.
- Combine poppy seed, honey, and water in a saucepan and cook over low heat for 4 to 5 minutes until water evaporates, stirring frequently. Cool.
- Cream together butter, sugar, lemon peel, and vanilla.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add sour cream, poppy seed mixture, salt, and lemon juice, and mix thoroughly at a low speed.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder; add to the mixture and beat at low speed until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 60 to 75 minutes until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
- Invert the cake and cool to lukewarm.
- Pour hot Lemon Glaze over the cooled cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting maple syrup for honey, or using a mix of half poppy seeds and half finely chopped nuts. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can sift the flour before measuring. Remember to check your cake a few minutes before the minimum baking time to avoid overbaking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the poppy seed cake with a drizzle of the hot lemon glaze for a zesty kick. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful afternoon treat, enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee. It also makes a fantastic dessert for gatherings, complementing dishes like 'Frosted' Carrot Bars.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover poppy seed cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold. The flavors develop beautifully over time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of City Restaurant Poppy Seed Cake contains roughly 269 calories, with 6g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 705mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that these alternatives may alter the moisture content slightly, so adjust the water accordingly if needed.
What can I use if I don’t have sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute. Both will add moisture and keep the cake tender while providing a slight tang that complements the other flavors.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when it pulls away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top seems to be browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last part of baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).