Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt (Printable Version)

Tender Bundt with lemon zest, poppy seeds, and tangy lemon glaze, perfect for spring gatherings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 3 tablespoons poppy seeds

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 2 cups granulated sugar
08 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
12 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
13 - 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature

→ Lemon Glaze

14 - 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
15 - 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
16 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan thoroughly, tapping out excess flour.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
04 - Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
05 - Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until just combined.
06 - On low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
07 - Fold in the sour cream until the batter is smooth and even.
08 - Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the center of the oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a skewer or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack and cool completely.
10 - Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The bright citrus flavor cuts through sweetness without being overwhelming
  • Poppy seeds add the most delightful tiny crunch in every single bite
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are nonnegotiable here because cold dairy or eggs can cause the batter to curdle or seize
  • Let the cake cool completely before glazing or the icing will melt right off and pool underneath instead of setting beautifully
03 -
  • Zest your lemons before juicing them because it is nearly impossible to zest a squeezed lemon
  • Tap the pan firmly on the counter once after pouring in the batter to release any air pockets