Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 480.1 per serving
Cuisine: European
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake, a traditional dessert that combines the richness of poppy seeds with a moist and tender cake base, topped with a sweet lemon glaze. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress with its unique texture and nuanced flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Poppy seeds | 3/4 cup |
| Milk | 3/4 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 3/4 cup |
| Lemon, zest of | 1 |
| Sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cake flour | 4 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Unsalted butter (for glaze) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh lemon juice (for glaze) | 2-3 tablespoons |
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch tube pan and dust it with flour, ensuring all sides are coated evenly.
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In a small bowl, combine the poppy seeds and milk. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the poppy seeds to soften.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, lemon zest, and sugar until the mixture is light and creamy.
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Add the egg whites to the creamed mixture. Use an electric mixer on high speed to beat until the mixture becomes fluffy and airy.
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Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl with the creamed mixture. Use a spoon to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined.
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Add the poppy seed-milk mixture to the batter. Use the electric mixer on medium speed to beat until the batter becomes light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.
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Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured tube pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter (melted), and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
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Drizzle the prepared glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set before serving.
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Slice and serve this Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake, enjoying the delicate flavors and moist texture with each bite.
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 480.1
- Fat: 21.8g
- Saturated Fat: 11.2g
- Cholesterol: 45.3mg
- Sodium: 166.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 67.1g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugar: 43.4g
- Protein: 6.4g
Tips for Success
- Soak the poppy seeds overnight for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
- Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly to ensure a light and fluffy cake.
- Sift the dry ingredients into the batter to avoid clumps and ensure even distribution.
- Check for doneness with a wooden skewer; it should come out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It also pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert option.
Variations
For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter before baking. You can also experiment with different citrus zests, such as orange or lime, for a refreshing flavor variation in the glaze.
Conclusion
Enjoy making and sharing this Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake recipe from lovewithrecipes.com with your loved ones. Its rich history and unique flavors make it a wonderful addition to any baking repertoire, perfect for celebrations or simply as a special treat.
