Poppy Seed Cake Recipe- Tastes Better From Scratch (original) (raw)

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Incredibly light and tender homemade Poppy Seed Cake, is easy to make and perfect for brunch or dessert!

Poppy seed cake with a few slices cut into it.

I'm a huge fan of simple, classic recipes, like this Poppy Seed Cake. This cake is NOT dense, rich or overly sweet, and that's part of why I love it so much! It's like a step-sibling to angel food cake in how light, and mildly sweet it is. I also think it's beautiful in its simplicity; no frostings or glazes, but just a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Serve it for brunch with a side of fruit, coffee or tea. It could also be served as a light dessert–I'm thinking some sugared strawberries on top and maybe even a spoonful of fresh whipped cream would be divine.

My mom has been making this poppy seed cake for years ( the original recipe came from her friend–thanks Ciel!) and it's one our family has grown to treasure.

How to make Poppy Seed Cake:

Butter, sugar, vanilla and milk combined in a mixing bowl.

A wooden mixing bowl with flour, salt, baking powder and poppyseeds.

Egg whites being folded into poppy seed cake batter.

A bundt pan filled with poppy seed cake batter, ready to bake.

Overhead photo of a baked poppy seed cake dusted with powdered sugar.

Storing and Freezing Instructions:

Store the cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days. To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely, then covered tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving.

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Egg Whites: Real egg whites are essential for this cake and can't be substituted. For best results, separate the egg whites from the yolks when the eggs are cold. Then, bring the egg whites to room temperature before whipping, as they will have better whipped volume at room temperature.

Freezing Instructions: Once cooled, the cake can be covered tightly and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving.

Calories: 291kcal, Carbohydrates: 47g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 22mg, Sodium: 120mg, Potassium: 171mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 270IU, Calcium: 104mg, Iron: 1.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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I originally shared this recipe February 2017. Updated October 2020.

Incredibly light and tender homemade Poppy Seed Cake, perfect for brunch or dessert! | Tastes Better From Scratch

Published October 28, 2020

Lauren Allen

Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.