Poppy Seed Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 10 Cuisine: American

Poppy Seed Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the nutty flavor of poppy seeds with the sweetness of pineapple juice and a hint of almond extract. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for celebrations or a cozy afternoon treat, appealing to those who enjoy unique flavor combinations.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 c. poppy seed
  • 1/2 c. pineapple juice
  • 1 pkg. white cake mix
  • 1 pkg. instant vanilla pudding
  • cinnamon-sugar
  • powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. almond extract
  • 1/2 c. shortening
  • 1/2 c. rum

Instructions

  1. Beat eggs, poppy seeds, pineapple juice, shortening, rum, and almond extract for 2 minutes.
  2. Add cake mix and pudding, then beat for an additional 2 minutes.
  3. Grease a Bundt pan.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  5. Dust the top with cinnamon-sugar.
  6. Bake at 350° for 45 to 55 minutes.
  7. When cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth of flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. You can also experiment by adding a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy twist. If you don't have rum, vanilla extract works as a great alternative. Ensure your cake mix is fresh for the best results, as stale mixes can affect the cake's rise and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Poppy Seed Cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more festive touch, serve it alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Poppy Seed Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up without drying out the cake.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Poppy Seed Cake contains roughly 354 calories, with 3g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 10g fat.

354 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.9g 6% DV
Total Fat 10.5g 13% DV
Carbs 63.7g 23% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 25.1g 50% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 186.4mg 8% DV
Potassium 170.4mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 52.9mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.6mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Calcium 105.5mg 8% DV
Iron 1.5mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Tree nuts

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 cake mix?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer, but vanilla or lemon cake mixes work particularly well with the poppy seeds and tropical flavors. Just keep in mind that it may alter the final taste and color of the cake.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

To make this Poppy Seed Cake healthier, you can substitute part of the white cake mix with whole wheat flour or use a sugar-free cake mix. You can also reduce the amount of sugar by using ripe bananas or applesauce in place of some of the sugar.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →