Description
A classic German poppy seed cake with a tender buttery crust and a lush, creamy poppy seed filling gently sweetened with honey, lemon zest, and vanilla. Perfect with afternoon coffee or as an elegant dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg (for crust)
- 1 1/2 cups poppy seeds, finely ground
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, finely grated
- 2 large eggs (for filling), lightly beaten
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch springform pan and set aside.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/4 cup of the sugar. Cut in softened butter, then add 1 egg and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the base and 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan. Chill while you make the filling.
- Cook the filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until steaming. Whisk in ground poppy seeds, semolina, honey, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until thickened. Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes.
- Whisk the 2 beaten eggs into the slightly cooled poppy mixture until smooth.
- Assemble: Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake 40 to 45 minutes until the filling is just set and the crust is lightly golden.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing if desired.
Notes
- Grind poppy seeds freshly for the most aromatic flavor and creamy texture.
- If the crust browns too quickly, tent the edges loosely with foil.
- Chill the cake for cleaner slices and a more set filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg