Name: Lemon Curd Poppyseed Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons very soft butter; ⅓ cup oil (sunflower, canola, vegetable or any mild tasting oil); 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup milk; 3 large egg whites (save yolks for lemon curd); ¾-1 cup Ridiculously Easy Lemon Curd; 8 ounces very soft butter; ¼ cup Ridiculously Easy Lemon Curd; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅛ teaspoon almond extract (optional); 3 ½ – 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar; 3-4 tablespoons half and half or heavy cream

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

If you are seeking a dessert that brings sunshine to your kitchen and joy to your taste buds, this Lemon Curd Poppyseed Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful balance of moist, tender cake flecked with crunchy poppy seeds, layered with luscious, tangy lemon curd, and topped with a dreamy lemon-infused frosting. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a celebration of bright citrus flavor and delicate textures that will make any occasion feel special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your all-time favorites to bake and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A two-layer round cake with a light golden color dotted with small dark specks, showing a soft, slightly crumbly texture. Between the layers, there is a smooth cream filling that is off-white and evenly spread but slightly visible around the edges. The cake sits on a piece of parchment paper that is placed over a rustic wood slice with bark edges, all set on a white marbled surface. The photo is close up, focusing on the side and top of the cake with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Lemon Curd Poppyseed Cake Recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly extraordinary. Each one plays an essential role—soft butter for richness, poppy seeds for that subtle crunch, and lemon curd for the perfect burst of citrus that ties everything beautifully.

Very soft butter (3 tablespoons for cake, 8 ounces for frosting): Ensures a creamy, tender crumb and smooth frosting texture.
Oil (⅓ cup, mild tasting): Adds moistness without overwhelming flavors.
Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake just right, balancing the tart lemon.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon in cake, 1 teaspoon in frosting): Deepens flavor with warmth and complexity.
All-purpose flour (1 ⅓ cup): The foundation that gives structure to your cake.
Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Helps your cake rise beautifully and stay light.
Poppy seeds (1 ½ tablespoons): Adds delightful little bites of texture and visual appeal.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Milk (½ cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Egg whites (3 large): Whipped to create lightness and volume in the cake.
Ridiculously Easy Lemon Curd (¾-1 cup for filling, ¼ cup for frosting): The star ingredient giving that bold, zesty citrus punch.
Powdered sugar (3 ½ to 3 ¾ cups): Provides the perfect silky sweetness for the frosting.
Half and half or heavy cream (3-4 tablespoons): Adjusts frosting to a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Almond extract (⅛ teaspoon, optional): A subtle hint of nutty flavor that complements the lemon beautifully.

How to Make Lemon Curd Poppyseed Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350˚F. Spray an 8-inch round cake pan with baking spray and line it with parchment paper to ensure your cake slides right out after baking. If your pan is less than 2 inches tall, opt for a 9-inch pan instead to avoid overflow. This little preparation step makes a world of difference when you’re ready to enjoy your masterpiece.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Oil, Sugar, and Vanilla

In a medium-large bowl, stir the very soft butter until creamy. Then, add oil, sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined and luxuriously creamy. This mixture forms the rich, flavorful base that your cake counts on for moistness and tenderness.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients Gradually

Sprinkle baking powder, salt, and about one-third of the flour over your butter mixture. Stir just until the flour disappears—no need to overwork it! Add half of the milk and mix, then another third of the flour and stir again. Finish by adding the remaining milk and flour alternately, stirring just enough to combine after each addition. Lastly, stir in the poppy seeds for a lovely texture boost.

Step 4: Whisk and Fold in the Egg Whites

In a separate clean bowl, whisk the egg whites for 1 ½ to 2 minutes until foamy peaks form when you lift your whisk. Gently fold these whipped whites into the batter with a spatula, making sure you scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. This light folding ensures your cake has an airy, soft crumb without deflating the batter.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Your cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or the internal temperature hits 210˚F. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully running a knife around the edges and inverting it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Slice and Fill with Lemon Curd

Once cooled, use a serrated knife to slice the cake horizontally into two layers. Place the bottom half on a serving platter, then spread ¾ to 1 cup of your Ridiculously Easy Lemon Curd on top, leaving about a half-inch border. This bright, tangy filling is what makes this Lemon Curd Poppyseed Cake Recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 7: Stack and Frost

Gently place the top cake layer over the lemon curd, cut side down. For the luscious frosting, combine soft butter, lemon curd, vanilla, and almond extract in a bowl until creamy. Gradually stir in powdered sugar and half and half until smooth and easily spreadable. If needed, adjust consistency by adding a bit more cream or powdered sugar. Spread the frosting evenly over the cake, then indulge!

How to Serve Lemon Curd Poppyseed Cake Recipe

A square slice of cake sits on a white plate with blue floral patterns, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has three layers: a bottom layer of pale poppy seed cake with tiny black seeds, a thin middle layer of bright yellow filling, and a thick top layer of creamy white frosting. On top of the frosting, there are three small white daisies with yellow centers placed as decoration. Next to the plate, there is a gold fork partially visible. In the background, a stack of white plates with blue floral patterns and a white vase can be seen out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra sparkle, garnish your cake with thin lemon zest curls or a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh mint leaves add a lovely contrasting color and subtle aroma that complements the citrus flavor perfectly. These simple touches make your cake feel festive and irresistible.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a light cup of tea, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream. For a brunch celebration, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a citrusy sorbet to keep the flavors lively and refresh your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Take this cake from simple to stunning by layering lemon curd between individual cupcakes or assembling mini trifle jars with cake chunks and lemon curd. You can also dust the top with edible flowers for a garden-party vibe. The versatility of the Lemon Curd Poppyseed Cake Recipe lets you tailor it to any occasion with flair and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep the cake refrigerated, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the uniced cake layers by wrapping them well in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. For the fully frosted cake, freeze in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting and lemon curd from melting too much. This little warming trick revives that just-baked feeling!

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

For this particular Lemon Curd Poppyseed Cake Recipe, the whipped egg whites provide essential lightness and airiness, which whole eggs won’t replicate as effectively. It’s best to stick to the recipe’s egg white method for that perfect delicate texture.

Is there a substitute for the Ridiculously Easy Lemon Curd?

While homemade or store-bought lemon curd both work beautifully, if you want to try a quick alternative, a lemon-flavored custard or lemon marmalade could work, but expect slight differences in sweetness and texture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix designed for cakes. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder, and be aware that texture might be a touch different but still delicious.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to your taste. You can also add a little extra lemon curd or a touch of cream to balance the sweetness while keeping the frosting creamy and spreadable.

What’s the best way to store leftover lemon curd?

Store lemon curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It also freezes well in small portions if you want to keep some on hand for future baking or spreading on toast.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Curd Poppyseed Cake Recipe is a joyful invitation to brighten up your baking repertoire. The combination of zesty lemon curd, crunchy poppy seeds, and tender cake layers makes every bite a celebration of vibrant flavor and texture. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet pick-me-up, this cake is sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to make some magic happen—you won’t regret it!