French Poppy Seed Cake Recipe

Step 1

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F), greasing an 8-inch cake pan with butter, and dusting it with a bit of flour.  Set cake pan aside.

Step 2

Use a strainer to sift flour and baking powder in a medium bowl.

Step 3

Add 4 tablespoons of poppy seeds, then mix.

Step 4

Using a large mixing bowl, combine butter with sugar, then mix until it's creamy.

Step 5

Add the yolk, honey, lemon zest, and milk, then continue mixing to combine evenly.

Step 6

Add the dry ingredients from earlier --- flour, baking powder, and poppy seeds.

Step 7

Mix until just combined, then set cake batter aside.

Step 8

Beat the egg whites until you get stiff peaks.

Step 9

Add 1/3 of the beaten egg whites into the batter and fold gently to combine.

Step 10

Add the remaining egg whites in batches; do not overmix, but just enough to combine the whites into the rest.

Step 11

Pour the batter into the greased cake pan.

Step 12

Tap the pan gently on the counter to get rid of bubbles.

Step 13

Place the pan in the lower part of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes; or until a toothpick comes out dry when you stick it in the cake.

Step 14

Take your poppy seed cake out of the oven and set it aside to cool.

Step 15

Combine the powdered sugar with the lemon juice and mix until you get a creamy texture.

Step 16

Pour on the cooled cake and use an angled spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 17

Sprinkle the remaining poppy seeds on top.

Step 18

Set aside until it sets.

Step 19

Slice, serve, and enjoy!