Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your baking game forever! Mary Jo's Poppy Seed Cake isn't just another dessert—it's a legendary recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food critics. With its delicate crumb, subtle nutty flavor from poppy seeds, and a perfectly moist texture, this cake is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe guarantees a showstopping dessert that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the four large eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the three cups of all-purpose flour, one tablespoon of baking powder, and half a teaspoon of salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with one cup of milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the 1/4 cup of poppy seeds and one teaspoon of vanilla extract into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan or divide it evenly between the two round cake pans. Smooth the top with a spatula if necessary.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, you may frost it with your favorite icing or serve it plain. Enjoy your delicious Mary Jo's Poppy Seed Cake!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to prevent a tough, dense cake.
- Check Freshness: Use fresh baking powder and poppy seeds for the best flavor and rising potential.
- Pan Preparation: Grease and flour your pan thoroughly to ensure easy cake release.
- Toothpick Test: Always test the cake's doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing to maintain its structure.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a light glaze or dusting of powdered sugar for extra elegance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
