Lemon-Poppyseed Bliss Cake

Ingredients

Poppyseed Sponge

6 eggs
150 grams (5.3 ounces) sugar
Vanilla extract to taste
50 grams (1.8 ounces) poppy seeds
1 lemon zest
200 grams (7.1 ounces) all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Frosting

500 grams (17.6 ounces) cream cheese
Vanilla extract to taste
Sugar to taste
70 milliliters (2.4 fluid ounces) heavy cream

Soaking Syrup

Juice from 0.5 lemon
50 milliliters (1.7 fluid ounces) diluted water
Sugar to taste

Equipment

Electric mixer:
An electric mixer is essential for achieving those perfect peaks in your egg mixture, ensuring a light and airy sponge. If you don't have one, a hand whisk with some elbow grease will do the trick!
Spatula:
A flexible spatula is perfect for gently folding in the flour, maintaining the airiness of your batter. Silicone spatulas work best for a smooth mix.
35x25cm baking pan:
This specific size ensures even baking and the right cake thickness. If you have a slightly different size, keep an eye on the baking time.
Mixing bowls:
Multiple mixing bowls will help you stay organized, especially when juggling wet and dry ingredients. Glass bowls are perfect for visibility!
Piping bag (optional):
If you want to get fancy with your frosting, a piping bag is your best friend. For an easy alternative, simply zip a small hole in a corner of a ziplock bag.

Instructions

Step 1

For the poppyseed sponge, **beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract** until peaks form. Use a hand mixer for best results. **Fold in the flour gently** using a spatula. **Mix in the poppy seeds and lemon zest**. Be careful not to overmix. **Pour the batter into a rectangular 35x25cm pan** and **bake at 150°C (302°F) for 30 minutes**.

Step 2

For the cream cheese frosting, **whip the heavy cream** until it forms soft peaks. Make sure the cream is cold. **Add the vanilla extract, cream cheese, and sugar**, then **mix until smooth and creamy**.

Step 3

Prepare the soaking syrup by **combining lemon juice**, **diluted water**, and **sugar to taste**. Keep the syrup in the fridge until ready to use.

Step 4

Once the sponge is baked and cooled, **soak it with the prepared syrup**. Use a brush for even soaking. **Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the sponge**.

Step 5

Decorate the cake with **raspberries, poppy seeds, and basil leaves for an elegant finish**. Serve immediately or store in the fridge.

Servings

Serving Suggestions & Ideas: Make It a Celebration! 🎉

When it comes to serving this mouthwatering poppyseed sponge cake, presentation is key. First off, slice the cake into generous squares or diamonds and place them neatly on a decorative platter. This not only makes serving easier but turns your cake into a show-stopping centerpiece.

Feeling a bit extra? Top each piece with a dollop of cream cheese frosting and garnish with fresh raspberries and fragrant basil leaves. The burst of color and flavor will elevate each bite, adding that *gourmet touch* — perfect for impressing your guests! 🍓🌿

If you're planning a tea party or an elegant dessert table, pair this cake with a selection of teas and light finger foods. Consider Lemon Verbena or Earl Grey tea for a harmonious flavor match, completed with light cucumber sandwiches and berry quiches.

For a more casual setting, why not turn it into a fun dessert bar? Let your guests customize their pieces with an array of toppings like crushed pistachios, a drizzle of raspberry coulis, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination! 🌈✨

Variations

Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations 🌱

Gluten-Free: To make this delicious sponge cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon separately to ensure that perfect spongy texture. 🍞

Vegan: For a vegan twist, swap the eggs with a combination of flaxseed meal and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and opt for plant-based whipping cream. Your vegan friends will thank you! 🐇🌰

Faq

Q: How do I know when the sponge cake is fully baked?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, your cake is done. The edges should also start to pull away from the pan.
Q: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and whip it lightly before using.
Q: How can I prevent my sponge from deflating?
A: Make sure to fold the flour gently into the egg mixture to retain as much air as possible. Also, avoid opening the oven door during baking.
Q: Can I use a different type of citrus for the soaking syrup?
A: Absolutely! Orange or lime juice can be wonderful alternatives to lemon, adding a unique twist to the soaking syrup.
Q: How do I achieve a perfectly smooth frosting?
A: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before whipping. This helps it blend more smoothly with the other ingredients.
Q: Can I add different flavors to the sponge cake?
A: Certainly! Experiment with adding almond extract, orange zest, or even finely ground nuts to give your sponge a new flavor dimension.