Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake with Zesty Glaze

Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake

A moist, tangy, and delicious Bundt cake, infused with a zesty lemon flavor and delicate poppy seeds. This light yet indulgent dessert features a beautifully smooth glaze, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. The combination of buttery richness with a burst of citrus is simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

For the Glaze:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a Bundt pan with butter and a light dusting of flour to ensure the cake does not stick. Set the pan aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium-sized bowl, sift the all-purpose flour and cornstarch together. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture, followed by the baking powder. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to combine, and set them aside for later use.

3. Prepare the Lemon Zest and Juice:
   Grate the zest from two fresh lemons, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith. Then, cut the lemons in half and squeeze out 45g of fresh lemon juice, ensuring it is free of seeds. Set the lemon juice aside.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter at medium-low speed until it reaches a soft, creamy consistency. Gradually add the granulated sugar, a little at a time, and continue beating for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

5. Add the Eggs:
   Crack the eggs into a small bowl, ensuring there are no shell fragments. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Continue mixing until the eggs are fully incorporated and the batter appears smooth.

6. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in small batches. Alternate between adding the dry mixture and the whole milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Continue to beat the batter until it is smooth and fully combined. Stir in the lemon zest and poppy seeds for a delicate crunch and fresh flavor.

7. Add the Lemon Juice:
   Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix gently until the batter is just combined. The lemon juice adds a beautiful citrus note that balances the richness of the butter.

8. Bake the Cake:
   Pour the prepared batter into the greased Bundt pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should rise evenly, turning golden brown on top. Allow the Bundt cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Prepare the Glaze:
   While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps. Add the remaining 25g of lemon juice to the powdered sugar, stirring to form a smooth and thick glaze. If you prefer a thinner glaze, you can add a bit more lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency.

10. Glaze the Cake:
    Once the cake has cooled completely, place it on a wire rack with a tray underneath to catch any excess glaze. Using a piping bag or spoon, drizzle the glaze generously over the top of the Bundt cake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides for a beautiful finish.

11. Serve and Enjoy:
    Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Slice the cake into individual pieces and enjoy the delightful balance of buttery cake, zesty lemon, and crunchy poppy seeds. This Bundt cake is perfect for a cozy afternoon tea, a family gathering, or as a sweet treat for any celebration.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake is a delightful treat that blends fresh lemony flavor with a subtle poppy seed crunch. It’s an easy yet sophisticated dessert that will impress guests at any occasion. With its soft, buttery texture and refreshing citrus glaze, it’s bound to be a favorite. Perfect for a warm afternoon with a cup of tea or coffee, this cake brings a little sunshine to any day. Enjoy!