Description
A delightful Lemon Poppy Seed Pudding Cake that features a light, airy sponge on top and a creamy, tangy lemon pudding layer underneath. This easy baked dessert combines the citrusy brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest with the crunch of poppy seeds for a perfect spring treat. Served warm or chilled, it’s a refreshing and elegant way to finish any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 1 ½-quart baking dish or six individual ramekins thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, all-purpose flour, poppy seeds, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, whole milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until fully incorporated, taking care to mix without overworking the batter.
- Beat egg whites. Using a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will add lightness to the final cake texture.
- Fold in egg whites. Gently fold the stiff egg whites into the lemon batter in batches, being careful not to deflate the air bubbles to maintain a light and airy texture.
- Prepare the water bath and bake. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish or ramekins. Place this dish inside a larger baking pan. Carefully pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the inner dish, creating a water bath that ensures gentle baking.
- Bake the cake. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
- Cool and serve. Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- The cake naturally separates during baking into a light sponge on top and a creamy lemon pudding layer underneath, creating a unique texture experience.
- Serve warm for a cozy dessert or chilled for a refreshing treat.
