Mrs. "D" Poppy Seed Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful poppy seed cake with coconut undertones, perfect for tea time or special occasions, appealing to those who love rich, textured desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg yellow cake mix
  • 1 pkg Royal toasted coconut instant pudding
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1/8 to 1/4 cup poppy seed

Instructions

  1. Mix together the yellow cake mix, toasted coconut pudding, eggs, oil, hot water, and poppy seed in an electric mixer for about 3 minutes.
  2. Pour the batter into greased and floured loaf pans.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing, as this helps the batter incorporate air and rise better. If you want to reduce calories, consider using applesauce in place of some of the oil. Additionally, if you don’t have Royal toasted coconut pudding, vanilla pudding can be a good substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly.

Serving Suggestions

This Poppy Seed Cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of lemon glaze. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon snack. For a more substantial dessert, consider serving with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Poppy Seed Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mrs. "D" Poppy Seed Cake contains roughly 493 calories, with 7g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

493 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.2g 14% DV
Total Fat 37.8g 48% DV
Carbs 34.8g 13% DV
Fiber 4.9g 18% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 160.3mg 7% DV
Potassium 355.4mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 66.3mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 29.3mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Calcium 451mg 35% DV
Iron 3mg 17% DV
Contains 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 ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cake a day in advance. Just ensure it cools completely before storing it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing its taste. If frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

What can I use if I don't have poppy seeds?

If you don't have poppy seeds, you can skip them entirely or substitute with sesame seeds for a similar crunch. Chia seeds could also work, but they will not provide the same look or flavor. Just remember, the unique characteristic of this cake is the poppy seeds.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors such as lemon or vanilla for a different twist. Just keep in mind that this may alter the overall flavor profile of the cake. For a fun variation, consider using a chocolate cake mix.

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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