Poppy Seed Cake Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Mar 24, 2021, Updated Mar 01, 2024

5 from 17 votes

5 Comments

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This poppy seed cake is moist, and sweet and easy to make in one bowl! It’s an old, tried and tested recipe – and topped with a simple glaze – it is the best poppyseed cake ever.

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Some recipes are special because of the memories they evoke – and such is the case for me and this Poppy Seed Cake. Not only is this the best poppyseed cake ever because it’s moist and flavorful with a delicious glaze, but one bite transports me back to my childhood.

When I was growing up a wonderful elderly woman named Bee lived in the house across the street. Her husband passed away, leaving her to live on her own until age 92. My dad often removed the snow from her driveway and sidewalks during the harsh Chicago winters. Bee always made this Poppy Seed Cake for us to thank my dad for taking care of her, and it was my favorite treat to receive.

She shared her recipe with me, and I have since made this poppyseed cake often. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s easy to mix together in one bowl in 5 minutes. A great dessert to feed a crowd, give as a gift, or enjoy as part of a special brunch.

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Poppy Seed Cake Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

I don’t recommend making many substitutions in this poppyseed cake recipe but we’ll discuss the ingredients below.

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  • All-purpose flour.Cake flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour.
  • Fine sea salt.If using iodized salt, reduce the amount by half.
  • Granulated sugar. regular white sugar or organic cane sugar are great choices in this poppy seed cake.
  • Canola oil. I don’t recommend making substitutions for the canola oil. It keeps the cake moist.
  • Evaporated milk.Another ingredient for which I do not recommend making substitutions. However, if you must, here is an article about the 5 best substitutes.
  • Eggs. Use large eggs at room temperature for the best results.
  • Poppy Seeds.No substitutes here – or else it’s not a poppy seed cake! 😉
  • Vanilla extract.In both the cake and the glaze you can use almond extract in place of some or all of the vanilla extract if you want a slightly almond flavor.
  • Whole milk.In the glaze you can use 2% milk, half and half or heavy cream in place of whole milk if necessary.
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How to Make Poppy Seed Cake

As I stated above, this poppy seed cake recipe only takes 5 minutes to mix together in one bowl (or two depending on your preference).

Begin by combining the flour, sea salt and baking powder in a small bowl, set aside.

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Then, whisk the sugar, canola oil, evaporated milk, vanilla and eggs together in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth.

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Next, combine the wet and dry ingredients and whisk until smooth

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Next, add the poppy seeds and whisk until they are evenly distributed throughout the cake batter.

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Bake

Pour the poppy seed cake batter into a prepared angel food cake pan and bake it in a preheated oven for 30-35 minutes , or until the top is just barely set and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few wet crumbs (it will look wet, test the cake at 30 minutes to ensure you don’t over-bake).

You can use a different cake pan like a bundt cake pan if you’d prefer! Just be sure to grease it very well.

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Cool

Set the poppyseed cake in the pan on a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes. Gently run a knife around the edges and the inside (all parts touching the pan) to release.

After 30 minutes carefully remove cake and let cool completely on the wire cooling rack.

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Make the Glaze

In a small bowl whisk together glaze ingredients.

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Transfer the cooled poppy seed cake to a serving plate and then pour the glaze over the cake.Let the glazed cake sit at room temperature until the glaze is hardened (about 30-60 minutes).

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Serve

Slice and serve the poppyseed cake at room temperature!

Store

Store any leftover poppyseed cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freeze

You can also freeze individual slices, or the entire cake, for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it well and store it in an airtight container or plastic bag.

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FAQs about Poppy Seed Cake

Do you have to soak poppy seeds before baking?

Nope! Measure them straight from the jar and use to bake your favorite goodies.

How do I know when my cake is done?

Insert a cake tester into the middle of the cake and if it comes out with a few wet crumbs and the top is set, the cake is done.

Can I make this lemon poppy seed cake?

This cake is perfect as it is. If you’re looking to make it lemon, try one of these recipes: lemon poppy seed cake or lemon poppy seed bread.

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Poppy Seed Cake Recipe (20)

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Poppy Seed Cake

Laura

This poppy seed cake is moist, and sweet and easy to make in one bowl! It's an old, tried and tested recipe – and topped with a simple glaze – it is the best poppyseed cake ever.

5 from 17 votes

Course cake, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16 Servings

Calories 291

Prep Time5 minutes minutes

Cook Time35 minutes minutes

Total Time40 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Poppy Seed Cake

Glaze

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  • Very lightly grease an angel food cake pan, set aside.

  • In a small bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder, set aside

  • In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, canola oil, evaporated milk, vanilla and eggs until mixture is smooth.

  • Add dry ingredients and stir to combine.

  • Add poppy seeds and stir until evenly distributed.

  • Pour mixture into prepared angel food cake pan and bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes , or until the top is just barely set and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few wet crumbs (it will look wet, test the cake at 30 minutes to ensure you don’t overbake).

  • Set the poppyseed cake in the pan on a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes. Gently run a knife around the edges and the inside (all parts touching the pan) to release.

  • After 30 minutes carefully remove cake and let cool completely on the wire rack.

Make the Glaze

  • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth.

Assemble & Serve

  • Immediately pour it over the cooled cake.

  • Let sit at room temperature until hardened (about 30-60 minutes).

  • Serve at room temperature.

Video

Notes

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • All-purpose flour.Cake flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour, but that’s the only substitution I have tried and can recommend.
  • Fine sea salt.If using iodized salt, reduce the amount by half.
  • Granulated sugar. regular white sugar or organic cane sugar are great choices in this poppy seed cake.
  • Canola oil. I don’t recommend making substitutions for the canola oil. It keeps the cake moist.
  • Evaporated milk.Another ingredient for which I do not recommend making substitutions.
  • Eggs. Use large eggs at room temperature for the best results.
  • Poppy Seeds.No substitutes here – or else it’s not a poppy seed cake! 😉
  • Vanilla extract.In both the cake and the glaze you can use almond extract in place of some or all of the vanilla extract if you want a slightly almond flavor.
  • Whole milk.In the glaze you can use 2% milk, half and half or heavy cream in place of whole milk if necessary.

Store

Store any leftover poppyseed cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freeze

You can also freeze individual slices, or the entire cake, for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it well and store it in an airtight container or plastic bag.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 178mg | Potassium: 164mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 81IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 1mg

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

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

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Best Yellow Cake Recipe (From Scratch)

The Best Banana Cake Recipe

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Vanilla Bundt Cake

Poppy Seed Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why put poppy seeds in cake? ›

Poppy seeds can be found in both sweet and savory baked goods. Their distinctive flavor and crunchy texture pair nicely with lemon, honey, raisins, and almonds. They also add visual interest when added to cakes, muffins, quick breads, and pastries.

Should you soak poppy seeds before baking? ›

It is not absolutely necessary but some bakers like to soak the poppyseeds in warm water or warm milk to soften the slightly hard outermost part of the poppyseed. I like that little crunch with poppyseeds but if you don't, soak the poppyseeds in the milk you'll be using in this recipe.

Are poppy seeds good for you? ›

But not only do poppy seeds add great flavor and crunch to foods, they also provide some respectable health benefits. 1. One teaspoon of poppy seeds has enough calcium and phosphorus to meet 4% of your daily needs. These minerals work together to build strong bones.

Do poppy seeds go bad? ›

Poppy seeds usually don't spoil, but they can go rancid due to their oil content. Your senses will guide you in determining their freshness. Sight is not a very reliable indicator for poppy seeds but smell can be quite telling. Fresh poppy seeds have a sweet, nutty smell.

Should poppy seeds be toasted before baking? ›

Many bakers are used to toasting nuts and sesame seeds before baking them, and poppies are no different. “Since the temperature of most finished doughs doesn't exceed 210ºF,” says Pellicano, “I usually toast the seeds first in a 300ºF oven.

Is poppy seed cake good for you? ›

Promotes mental health

Poppyseed drink also decreases the levels of cortisol in the body and help reduce stress levels. Incorporating poppy cake into your diet may provide additional nutritional benefits. It is a valuable byproduct of poppy seed processing that offers new food options.

What happens if you don't soak poppy seeds? ›

Failing to soak poppy seeds won't affect the taste of your bread or other baked goods. However, soaking them in water can help remove their hard outer shell, making them easier to digest.

Can I bake with poppy seeds from my garden? ›

This is something that should only be done by a reputable company, so it is important to only buy poppy seeds for use in baking from one of these companies. So, no, garden poppy seeds should not be used in baking.

Are washed poppy seeds better than unwashed? ›

Depending on the methods of harvesting and geographical origin of the plant, unwashed poppy seeds may have higher amounts of Schedule II opium alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine on their seed coats when compared to washed poppy seeds. The poppy seeds themselves possess no opium content.

What is the difference between white and black poppy seeds? ›

White and black poppy seeds are interchangeable, but the white seeds are slightly less sweet than the black. Really, the choice to use either comes down to preference and the aesthetic of your dish.

Can you plant poppy seeds from the grocery store? ›

But the fact of the matter is these seeds are seeds that can be planted. Most of the poppy seeds that you purchase for culinary use are from the Breadseed Poppy variety. You can plant these seeds, let the flowers grow, harvest the flower heads and let their seeds dry out for more culinary use.

Are chia seeds the same as poppy seeds? ›

The flavor is similar, though not as sweet, since this recipe uses less sugar. The biggest difference is the chia seeds instead of poppy seeds. As already mentioned, chia seeds are more economical and have almost twice as much fiber as poppy seeds.

Why poppy seed is banned? ›

China prohibits spice mixes made from poppy seed and poppy seed pods because of the traces of opiates in them, and has since at least 2005. Despite its present use in Arab cuisine as a bread spice, poppy seeds are also banned in Saudi Arabia for various religious and drug control reasons.

Are poppy seeds poisonous to dogs? ›

The poppy contains the alkaloids morphine and codeine. While these substances do have medical applications, detriment to the central nervous system occurs if given in excess. The seeds of the poppy plant are not considered toxic, but it would still be unwise to let your dog consume them.

Are poppies poisonous to dogs? ›

Common Poppy is Toxic to Dogs 🐾 Common Poppies contain toxic alkaloids like morphine, harmful to dogs. 🐶 Early symptoms: vomiting, drooling, pawing at the mouth—vet visit if severe. Prevent access and educate on poppy risks to keep dogs safe.

Can I skip poppy seeds in a recipe? ›

We should never skip any ingredient, instead we should replace it with the ingredients that are easily available. That's why measurement also matters a lot. You can use melon seeds instead of poppy seeds. However, there will be a difference in the flavour compared to the actual recipe.

What is the purpose of poppy seeds? ›

Poppy seed is commonly used as a spice or flavoring in foods. But as medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of poppy seed might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important.

What is the significance of poppy seeds? ›

Poppy seeds are particularly rich in manganese, a trace element important for bone health and blood clotting. This mineral also helps your body utilize amino acids, fats, and carbs ( 4 ). They're likewise high in copper, a mineral needed to make connective tissue and transport iron ( 5 ).

Do poppy seeds really have a flavor? ›

Their fresh, nutty flavor is highly distinctive. Store poppy seeds in the fridge for freshness.

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