Vegan Poppy Seed Cake

This delicious vegan Poppy Seed Cake has a deliciously unique and nutty flavor of poppy seeds, with a rich fruit layer and homemade buttercream. The addition of sparkling water lends an unexpected lightness to the batter, making this cake as fluffy as it is flavorful.

This poppy seed cake is not your average plant-based dessert. Its unique layers of flavor, from the poppy seed-infused batter to the fruit layer and the simple syrup, make it a standout among other cake recipes. The addition of a walnut and fruit spread layer adds a delightful crunch and a burst of fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the poppy seeds.

The crowning glory of this cake is the frosting, a creamy concoction of vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and plant milk. This frosting is smooth, fluffy, and just sweet enough, providing the perfect finishing touch to this exquisite cake. 

Whether you're a seasoned vegan baker or just starting your plant-based journey, this vegan cake is sure to impress. And if you love vegan cakes, you need to also try my vegan chocolate cake and vegan pound cake recipe. 

Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious poppy seed cake recipe today!

Jump to:

• What is a Poppy Seed Cake?
• Why This Is The Best Poppy Seed Cake Recipe 
• What You Need to Make Poppy Seed Cake
• How to Make Poppy Seed Cake (Step by Step)
• Tips For Making the Best Poppy Seed Cake
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variation Ideas for Poppy Seed Cake
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to Store Leftover Poppy Seed Cake
• Similar Recipes
• Recipe

What is a Poppy Seed Cake?

Poppy seed cake is a delightful dessert that combines the unique flavor and texture of poppy seeds with the tanginess of lemons or oranges for an absolute classic. What’s best is that my recipe is a vegan poppy seed cake that you’re going to absolutely love!

Making a poppy seed cake at home is a great way to experiment with different flavors and textures. The poppy seeds add a slightly nutty flavor and a unique texture to the cake, while the lemon or orange zest imparts a refreshing citrus note. 

The result is a cake that is moist, flavorful, and rich, yet balanced with the right amount of sweetness and tang. It’s a perfect dessert to impress your guests or enjoy a slice with a cup of tea. 

The taste of a homemade poppy seed cake is truly incomparable, making it a must-try recipe for all baking enthusiasts.

Why This Is The Best Poppy Seed Cake Recipe 

Vegan and Delicious: Despite being egg-free and dairy-free, this poppy seed cake is absolutely delicious. The use of real poppy seeds, a rich fruit layer, and homemade buttercream guarantees a cake that is as tasty as it is healthy.

Family Favorite: With its unique texture from poppy seeds and a delightful combination of flavors, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. The creaminess of the vegan buttercream paired with the crunch of walnuts and the tang of fruit spread makes it a hit with all ages.

Vibrant and Versatile: This poppy seed cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Its vibrant layers make it a showstopper at any gathering. And it is versatile - you can switch out the fruit spread or nuts according to what's in season or your personal preference.

Crowd Pleaser: Whether you're hosting a party or attending a potluck, this poppy seed cake is a definite crowd-pleaser. It is a deliciously unique twist on the classic cake that everyone is sure to love. Plus, being vegan and dairy-free, it caters to a wider range of dietary preferences. 

What You Need to Make Poppy Seed Cake

Creating this delightful poppy seed cake is a breeze, thanks to the easily accessible ingredients. Whether you're a regular at your local grocery store or an online shopper, you'll have no trouble finding what you need to make it!

Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

For the Cake:

All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of the cake, providing the structure and bulk. It's a versatile ingredient that's perfect for baking cakes of all kinds. 

Organic cane sugar: This sweetens the cake and adds to the overall flavor. It also helps in creating a tender texture.

Poppy seeds: These tiny seeds bring a unique, nutty flavor and a delightful crunch to the cake. They also add a lovely speckled appearance.

Baking powder: This is a leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the other flavors in the cake, making them more pronounced.

Sparkling water: This unusual ingredient helps to make the cake extra light and fluffy.

Vanilla extract: This adds a classic, sweet aroma and flavor to the cake.

Neutral oil: Oil keeps the cake moist and tender. Grape seed or sunflower oil are great choices as they don't interfere with the cake's flavor.

For the Simple Syrup:

Maple syrup: This natural sweetener adds a hint of earthy sweetness to the syrup.

Water and fresh lemon juice: These help to dilute the syrup while the lemon juice adds a tangy freshness. You can even add lemon zest for a more pronounced lemon flavor.

For the Fruit Layer

Poppy seeds: More poppy seeds in the fruit layer reinforce the flavor and texture throughout the cake.

Boiling water: This is used to soften the poppy seeds and release their flavor.

Walnuts or pecans: These add a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor to the fruit layer.

Fruit spread: Opt for a sugarless fruit spread to add fruity sweetness without extra calories.

For the Frosting and Decoration:

Unsalted vegan butter: This provides a creamy base for the frosting. Miyoko's is a recommended brand for its smooth texture and great taste.

Powdered sugar: This sweetens the frosting and helps it achieve a light, fluffy texture.

Vanilla extract: A little more vanilla extract enhances the sweet, aromatic flavor of the frosting.

Almond or oat milk: This adds creaminess to the frosting, making it spreadable and delicious.

Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a final touch of crunch and visual appeal to the decorated cake. 

How to Make Poppy Seed Cake (Step by Step)

Making this incredible poppy seed cake recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:

Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat and prep your oven: Start by preheating your oven to a temperature of about 355 F. Get an eight-inch cake pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, and a little salt using an electric mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment.

3. Add in wet ingredients: Slowly stir in sparkling water, vanilla, and oil into your flour mixture until just combined. If your batter appears too dense, feel free to add a few extra tablespoons of sparkling water. The batter should have a consistency similar to a thick sour cream.

4. Transfer the batter and bake: Pour your batter into your prepared pan and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for around forty to forty-five minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 

5. Prepare your cake: After baking, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack. Cut the dome off the top of the cake and set it aside. Then, using a sharp knife, cut your cake in half.

Creating the Simple Syrup

6. Combine your syrup ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together some Maple syrup, lemon juice, and water. Using a pastry brush, generously cover one half of your cake with this syrup. 

Adding a Fruit Layer

7. Prepare your poppy seeds: In a separate small bowl, add some poppy seeds and boiling water. Allow this to steep for about ten minutes and then carefully drain off the water using a fine mesh sieve. 

8. Combine your fruit layer: To your bowl of softened poppy seeds, add finely chopped walnuts and fruit spread. Generously top the syrup-covered layer of your cake with this walnut and fruit mixture. 

9. Assemble your cake: Place the second layer of your cake on top of the fruit-covered layer and set it aside for now.

Making the Frosting

10. Beat your butter: In a large bowl, beat some softened vegan butter until it becomes fluffy. 

11. Add in the remaining ingredients: Gradually start adding powdered sugar followed by vanilla extract and plant milk. Your frosting should be smooth and fluffy. Using a spatula, generously cover your cake with this frosting.

Decorating the Cake

12. Prepare your cake crumbs: Place the sliced-off dome of your cake on a baking sheet and toast for about five to seven minutes, or until it starts to dry out. After it has cooled, pulse it in a food processor until it becomes crumbly.

13. Decorate your cake: Using your hands, gently pat these crumbs onto the sides of your cake. Sprinkle the top of your cake with chopped walnuts and place it in the refrigerator to set.

This best vegan poppy seed cake is delicious if you eat it right away. However, as the flavors meld and marry, it becomes even more decadent the next day.

Tips For Making the Best Poppy Seed Cake

Preheat the oven: Make sure to preheat the oven to the right temperature before you start baking. This will help guarantee that your poppy seed cake rises evenly and bakes properly.

Prepare your cake pan: Line your cake pan with parchment paper before pouring in the batter. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove after baking.

Don't overmix the batter: When combining the ingredients, be sure to stir until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough texture in your poppy seed cake.

Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done. Insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.

Prepare your frosting: Beat the vegan butter until fluffy before adding the powdered sugar. This will help guarantee a smooth and light frosting for your poppy seed cake.

Serving Suggestions

• Kickstart your day with a slice of this delightful poppyseed cake paired with a hot cup of coffee. The rich flavors of the cake complement the bitter notes of the coffee perfectly, making it an ideal breakfast treat.
• For a refreshing mid-day snack, pair a slice of this poppy seed cake with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. The citrusy tang of the orange cuts through the sweetness of the cake, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Add a touch of elegance to your dinner party dessert table by serving this lemon poppy seed cake with a dollop of vegan cream cheese frosting. The creamy tang of the frosting enhances the rich flavor of the cake, leaving your guests asking for more.
• For a handheld dessert option at your next picnic or outdoor gathering, slice this cake into bite-sized pieces. They're easy to eat and carry, making them a great on-the-go snack.
• For a festive touch during the holiday season, serve this cake with a dusting of powdered sugar and a garnish of fresh mint leaves. The vibrant colors and added freshness will make your dessert table stand out.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Poppy Seed Cake

This delicious poppy seed cake recipe is so flavorful and easy to make you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting: For a creamier texture, replace the vegan butter in the frosting with vegan cream cheese. The cream cheese frosting will add a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with the subtly sweet poppy seed cake. 

Bake it in a Bundt Pan: For a different presentation, pour the batter into a greased and floured Bundt pan instead of the loaf pans. Baking the poppy seed cake in a Bundt pan will give it a beautiful, ornate shape that's perfect for special occasions. Just remember to adjust the baking time as a Bundt pan might require a longer bake time.

Add More Poppy Seeds: If you love the nutty flavor and crunchy texture of poppy seeds, add an additional tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter. This will intensify the poppy seed flavor and add extra fiber to your cake.

Add Almonds: If you're a fan of almonds, this variation is for you. Swap the walnuts in the fruit layer with finely chopped almonds. You can also add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a deeper almond flavor. Almonds lend a delightful crunch and delicate flavor to the poppy seed cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftover Poppy Seed Cake

If you have any leftover vegan poppy seed cake, you can easily store it! First, let your cake cool completely on a wire rack. This is a crucial step as it prevents condensation from forming when you store the cake, which can make it soggy.

Refrigerator: Once cooled, place the cake in an airtight container. If you don't have one big enough, you can also wrap it tightly in cling film or aluminum foil.

Now, it is time to pop it in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help preserve the freshness and texture of your cake. It should last for about three to five days in the fridge. When you're ready to serve it again, simply take it out and let it come to room temperature.

But what if you want to enjoy your poppy seed cake a little longer? Can you freeze it?

Freezing: The answer is yes, you can freeze your poppy seed cake! If properly stored, it will maintain the best quality for about two to three months, but will remain safe beyond that time. To freeze, wrap your cake tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bags.

When you're ready to eat your frozen cake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also reheat it in a preheated oven at a low temperature to bring back that warm, fresh-baked taste. 

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