Description
This moist and zesty gluten-free lemon poppy seed cake is a masterpiece of balance, combining a tender, citrus-infused crumb with a rich cream cheese frosting and homemade lemon curd. Using a specialized technique of rubbing lemon zest into sugar to release essential oils, this recipe delivers bakery-quality flavor in a convenient one-pan format. Perfect for family gatherings, this treat proves that dietary restrictions never require a sacrifice in quality, offering a bright and sophisticated dessert experience that stays fresh for days.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum)
3/4 cup gluten-free cake flour or cornstarch
4 tbsp fresh lemon zest
2 1/4 cups granulated sugar (divided for cake and curd)
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
2 tbsp poppy seeds
3 large egg yolks
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
Prepare the lemon curd by whisking sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch in a saucepan until smooth.
Stir in lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes until thickened, then stir in butter and chill.
Preheat oven to 350F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
Whisk together the dry ingredients: gluten-free flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar and lemon zest, then beat in the room temperature cream cheese.
Alternately add the dry ingredients, sour cream, and milk to the wet mixture until smooth.
Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 35 minutes.
Cool completely before spreading with cream cheese frosting and topping with the prepared lemon curd.
Notes
Use organic lemons for the best zest flavor. Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting stable and the curd fresh. If gluten-free cake flour is unavailable, high-quality cornstarch is a perfect substitute.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg