Description
This vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dessert features a dense yet tender yellow cake bursting with fresh citrus and crunchy poppy seeds. Layered with velvety cream cheese frosting and a tangy homemade lemon curd swirl, it offers a sophisticated balance of sweetness and zest.
Ingredients
- 2-3 large organic lemons (zest and juice)
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter (divided)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth; stir in lemon zest and juice, cook over medium heat until thickened, then stir in cold butter and chill.
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Rub lemon zest into granulated sugar with your fingertips until fragrant, then whisk in melted butter, oil, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Whisk together flours, leavening agents, and poppy seeds in a separate bowl; alternately add dry ingredients and the milk-sour cream mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Whip room-temperature cream cheese and butter until airy, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla to create the frosting.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake, drop spoonfuls of chilled lemon curd on top, and use a knife to create a marbled swirl.
Notes
To achieve a perfect marble effect, ensure the lemon curd is completely chilled before swirling it into the frosting. Using room-temperature dairy and eggs is crucial for a smooth, emulsified batter that results in a light and airy crumb. If you prefer a more subtle crunch, you can soak the poppy seeds in the milk for 10 minutes before adding them to the batter.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean