Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
This delightful Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert perfect for anyone avoiding gluten in their diet. The cake is bursting with the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemons and enriched by the slightly nutty taste of poppy seeds. Whether you’re gluten-intolerant or simply looking for a lighter, healthier treat, this cake is sure to impress with its soft, moist texture and zesty, refreshing flavor. It’s also fully vegan, making it a versatile option for those with dietary restrictions. Serve it as a delightful afternoon snack, a light dessert after dinner, or as a treat to bring to parties and gatherings.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Calories per Serving | 529.4 |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lemons (rind and juice) | 2 |
| Potato flour (or gluten-free flour) | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 2/3 cup |
| Poppy seeds | 2/3 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Bicarbonate of soda | 1/4 tsp |
| Xanthan gum | 1/2 tsp |
| Vegan egg replacer powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Water | 1/3 cup |
| Silken tofu | 4 oz (1/2 cup) |
| Soymilk | 2/3 cup |
| Tahini | 1 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 529.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 23 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 419.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 78.2 g |
| Fiber | 6.4 g |
| Sugar | 35.7 g |
| Protein | 8.4 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Lemons: Start by finely shredding the rind from both lemons. Then, squeeze out 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Set both the zest and juice aside.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, xanthan gum, and vegan egg replacer powder. Add the finely shredded lemon rind and stir well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, silken tofu, soy milk, tahini, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The silken tofu will provide a creamy texture, while the tahini adds a subtle richness.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring constantly. Make sure all the ingredients are fully incorporated, and the batter is smooth without any lumps.
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Prepare the Cake Tin: Grease and line an 8-inch (20cm) round cake tin with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch.
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Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin before turning it out onto a wire rack. Once the cake is fully cooled, frost it with your favorite frosting, such as a tangy cream cheese frosting or a simple lemon glaze. For an added touch, sprinkle with flaked almonds or extra poppy seeds.
Additional Tips:
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Substituting Flours: If you don’t have potato flour, feel free to use other gluten-free flours like rice flour or almond flour, although the texture may vary slightly.
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Frosting Variations: To keep this cake vegan, use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting or make a lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice. For extra zing, add a bit of lemon zest to the glaze.
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Storage: This cake can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days, but for longer freshness, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. The flavors improve even more after a day or two.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
This Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Cake is a perfect treat for anyone following a gluten-free or vegan diet. Its light, fluffy texture and aromatic lemon flavor make it irresistible, while the poppy seeds add a delightful crunch. The recipe is straightforward, making it easy to prepare for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing a sweet snack, or looking for a healthier dessert option, this cake will certainly be a hit.
And while it’s already naturally dairy-free and vegan, you can also play around with the frosting to suit your own preferences or dietary needs, making it as indulgent or light as you like.
