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

We recommend:

For granulated sugar:

Prime best seller

Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1

4.8

(12,536) Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1 $5.27 View details Prime

Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack)

4.8

(18,788) Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack) $3.74 $4.14 View details Prime

4.6

(205) C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags $56.99 $49.98 View details

For poppy seeds:

Prime

4.7

(105) Sticky Fingers Scones Lemon Poppyseed, 15-ounces (Pack of3) $25.50 View details Prime best seller

4.8

(4,575) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Poppy Seeds, 3.5 ounce (Pack of 1) $3.56 View details Prime

4.2

(1,555) Outsidepride 1 lb. Annual Eschscholzia Orange California Poppy Native Garden Wild Flower Seed $29.99 View details

For lemon:

4.6

(16,935) Tate's Bake Shop Lemon Cookies, 7 oz $4.99 View details

For all-purpose flour:

Prime

4.8

(9,312) Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 4) $23.96 View details Prime

4.7

(15,802) Antimo Caputo Chefs Flour - Italian Double Zero 00 - Soft Wheat for Pizza Dough, Bread, & Pasta, 2.2 Lb (Pack of 2) $16.99 View details Prime best seller

4.7

(20,691) King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour, Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Kosher, 3 Pounds, Packaging May Vary $8.62 View details

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

We recommend:

For cream cheese:

Prime

(4) Daiya Dairy Free Gluten Free Chocolate Vegan Frozen Cheesecake, 14.1 Ounce (Pack of 8) $107.26 View details Prime

4.7

(13,623) Betty Crocker Favorites Super Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix, 13.25 oz (Pack of 12) $23.04 View details

4.4

(11,950) LorAnn Lemon Bakery Emulsion, 4 ounce bottle (Pack of 2) $16.98 View details

For heavy cream:

Prime

Judee's Heavy Cream Powder 5 lb - Ideal for Baking, Cooking, and Beverages - Easy-to-Mix for Liquid Cream - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Enhance Coffee, Pastries, Sauces, and Soups - Rich Flavor

4.5

(680) Judee's Heavy Cream Powder 5 lb - Ideal for Baking, Cooking, and Beverages - Easy-to-Mix for Liquid Cream - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Enhance Coffee, Pastries, Sauces, and Soups - Rich Flavor $61.99 View details

Soaking Syrup

Juice from 0.5 lemon

50 milliliters (1.7 fluid ounces) diluted water

Sugar to taste

We recommend:

For lemon:

4.6

(16,935) Tate's Bake Shop Lemon Cookies, 7 oz $4.99 View details

For bottled water:

Prime

4.7

(10,256) Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water, 16.9 Fl. Oz. Plastic Bottles, Pack of 24 $48.40 View details Prime

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(15,349) Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Alkaline Water, 16.9 Fl Oz (Pack of 24) $43.95 View details Prime

4.7

(28,751) Evian Natural Spring Water, 1 L bottle, 12 pack $21.01 $22.64 View details

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! 🌈✨

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!

We recommend:

Prime best seller

4.8

(9,786) KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, Onyx Black $279.99 $329.99 View details

Commercial Stand Mixer, 15Qt Heavy Duty Electric Food Mixer, Commercial Mixer 600W with 3 Speeds Adjustable 130/233/415RPM, Stainless Steel Bowl, Dough Hook Whisk Beater Perfect for Bakery Pizzeria

(4) Commercial Stand Mixer, 15Qt Heavy Duty Electric Food Mixer, Commercial Mixer 600W with 3 Speeds Adjustable 130/233/415RPM, Stainless Steel Bowl, Dough Hook Whisk Beater Perfect for Bakery Pizzeria $579.99 View details Prime

4.5

(60,346) Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Whisk, Traditional Beaters, Snap-On Storage Case, 250 Watts, White $21.99 View details

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.

We recommend:

Prime

HOTEC Food Grade Silicone Rubber Spatula Set for Baking, Cooking, and Mixing High Heat Resistant Non Stick Dishwasher Safe BPA-Free Multicolor Set of 5

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4.7

(18,655) Wilton Icing Spatula - 13-Inch Angled Cake Spatula for Smoothing Frosting on Treats or Spreading Filling Between Cake Layers, Steel $7.98 $8.75 View details

Metal Spatula Stainless Steel and Scraper - Professional Chef Griddle Spatulas Set of 3 - Heavy Duty Accessories Great for Cast Iron BBQ Flat Top Grill Skillet Pan - Commercial Grade

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(2,358) Metal Spatula Stainless Steel and Scraper - Professional Chef Griddle Spatulas Set of 3 - Heavy Duty Accessories Great for Cast Iron BBQ Flat Top Grill Skillet Pan - Commercial Grade $19.99 $22.99 View details

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.

We recommend:

4.6

(111) GRIDMANN 18" x 26" Commercial Grade Aluminum Cookie Sheet Baking Tray Pan Full Sheet - 12 Pans $139.99 View details Prime

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(114) 12 Pack Half Size Baking Sheet Pan Aluminum Commercial Pan for Oven Freezer Bakery Hotel Restaurant 13" × 18" $99.99 View details Prime

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(99) CURTA 6 Pack Aluminum Sheet Pan, NSF Listed Full Size 26 x 18 inch Commercial Bakery Cake Bun Pan, Baking Tray $99.99 View details

Mixing bowls

Multiple mixing bowls will help you stay organized, especially when juggling wet and dry ingredients. Glass bowls are perfect for visibility!

We recommend:

Prime

YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage

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(9,737) YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage $27.99 $35.99 View details Prime

REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful)

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(8,743) REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful) $26.99 View details Prime

Umite Chef Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, 6 piece Stainless Steel Metal Nesting Storage Bowls, Non-Slip Bottoms Size 7, 3.5, 2.5, 2.0,1.5, 1QT, Great for Mixing & Serving (Khaki)

4.6

(27,811) Umite Chef Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, 6 piece Stainless Steel Metal Nesting Storage Bowls, Non-Slip Bottoms Size 7, 3.5, 2.5, 2.0,1.5, 1QT, Great for Mixing & Serving (Khaki) $32.28 $37.99 View details

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.

We recommend:

Prime

Cake Decorating Tools Supplies Kit: 236pcs Baking Accessories with Storage Case - Piping Bags and Icing Tips Set - Cupcake Cookie Frosting Fondant Bakery Set for Adults Beginners or Professional, Blue

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Pastry Piping Bags -100 Pack-16-Inch Disposable Cake Decorating Bags Anti-Burst Cupcake Icing Bags for all Size Tips Couplers and Baking Cookies Candy Supplies Kits - Bonus 2 Couplers

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(11,668) Pastry Piping Bags -100 Pack-16-Inch Disposable Cake Decorating Bags Anti-Burst Cupcake Icing Bags for all Size Tips Couplers and Baking Cookies Candy Supplies Kits - Bonus 2 Couplers $9.99 $12.99 View details Prime

4.6

(5,476) Wenburg Icing Bag with 7 Stainless Steel Flower Icing Tips, Large Cotton Icing Bag, and Coupler - Premium Cake Decorating Kit $17.99 $20.99 View details

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.