Light Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Light Lemon Poppy Seed Cake offers a moist, tangy flavor with a delicate lemon aroma, perfect for brunches, teatimes, or special occasions for those who enjoy bright, citrusy desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (18.5 oz.) package 97% fat-free yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
  • 1 cup egg substitute
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • Lemon Glaze

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 10-cup Bundt pan with vegetable cooking spray.
  2. Combine cake mix and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add vegetable oil, water, yogurt, egg substitute, and lemon juice. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer for 6 minutes.
  4. Stir in poppy seeds.
  5. Pour batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
  6. Bake for 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
  8. Remove the cake from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Drizzle with Lemon Glaze before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have egg substitute, you can use 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce instead. To enhance the lemon flavor, consider adding lemon zest. For an added crunch, try using toasted poppy seeds. This cake pairs beautifully with Lemon Glaze for extra moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Light Lemon Poppy Seed Cake as a delightful dessert at brunch or with afternoon tea. It pairs well with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for added creaminess. For a festive touch, top with whipped cream or serve alongside a fruit salad. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a light dessert after a hearty meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To maintain moisture, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap. If you prefer to enjoy it warm, reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Light Lemon Poppy Seed Cake contains roughly 20 calories, with 2g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.

20 kcal 1% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.4g 5% DV
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 2.3g 1% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 50.3mg 2% DV
Potassium 69.8mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.2mcg
Vitamin C 1.3mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 20.9mg 2% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit High-protein Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg

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 make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix as a substitute for the yellow cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the yogurt and cooking spray, are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.

How can I make this cake more lemony?

To intensify the lemon flavor, add more lemon juice or some lemon zest to the batter. You can also increase the amount of Lemon Glaze drizzled on top for an extra zing. Consider serving it with a lemon-flavored yogurt on the side for an additional lemon boost.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and consider adding the Lemon Glaze just before serving for freshness.

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).

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