Easy Poppy Seed Cake | Recipe by Leigh Anne Wilkes (2024)

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By: Leigh Anne Wilkes

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This easy Poppy Seed Cake starts with a cake mix, a box of pudding and sour cream to create a delicious, moist and tender cake that is full of flavor.

Easy Poppy Seed Cake | Recipe by Leigh Anne Wilkes (1)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

Today’s recipe is from my neighbor Sheri. We have been neighbors for about 26 years and we have shared a lot of meals together and some great recipes during those 26 years.

This is one of my favorite recipes that Sheri has given me. The cake is easy to make, it starts with a boxed cake mix. And it is moist thanks to the addition of pudding.

Easy Poppy Seed Cake | Recipe by Leigh Anne Wilkes (2)

Ingredients Needed

  • Yellow Cake Mix, no pudding
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix, 3.4 oz. size
  • Large Eggs
  • Sour Cream, or plain Greek yogurt
  • Butter
  • Cream sherry, find in the alcohol section of the store
  • Poppy Seeds
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Vanilla Extract
Easy Poppy Seed Cake | Recipe by Leigh Anne Wilkes (3)

Tips for Making Bundt Cakes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the best results and don’t overmix the cake batter.
  • Non Stick Spray– My best tip is to usethis spray. I’ve tried all different sprays and this one never fails me! After spraying my pan with it I also coat the pan with flour . My cake comes out perfectly every time. And make sure the spray gets into all the nooks of your pan. Use a pastry brush if you need to.
  • Batter – Make sure your batter is evenly distributed in the pan. Give the pan a few taps if needed to help the batter even out.
  • Oven– I always place my oven rack in the bottom third of the oven so my bundt pan is in the middle of my oven for even baking. Use a cake tester or a long bamboo skewer to make sure the cake is done and don’t overbake!
  • Cool Time– Don’t rush the cool time. After removing the pan from the oven let it cool in the pan on a baking rack for about 25 minutes. Trying to remove the cake while it is too warm from the pan can cause problems.
  • Remove Cake– This is the moment of truth. Gently tap the pan a few times to help loosen the cake. Shake the pan to see if the cake can move freely. If it doesn’t, take a thin knife and run it around the edge of the cake to loosen it. If the cake still feels resistant, flip it upside down onto a plate or rack and just let it sit and see if gravity helps.After removing the cake, put it back into the pan and poke holes into the cake with a wooden skewer.
Easy Poppy Seed Cake | Recipe by Leigh Anne Wilkes (4)

How to Make Poppyseed Bundt Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  • Spray bundt pan with non stick cooking spray and then flour lightly, shake off excess.
  • Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and beat mixture for 5 minutes. You can also use an hand electric mixer.
  • Pour cake batter into pan and bake for about 1 hour.
  • Let cake cool in pan on a wire rack for 10-20 minutes before removing the cake. (see tips above for removal)
Easy Poppy Seed Cake | Recipe by Leigh Anne Wilkes (5)

Cake Glaze

  • Melt butter in a pan on the stovetop or in a bowl in the microwave.
  • Stir vanilla and sugar into butter mixture.
  • Add water to right consistency
  • Drizzle glaze over top of cake

Pair This With:

I also love the frosting that you drizzle over the top and found myself scrapping the extra off the counter top to eat!! This cake is so good it doesn’t need anything else to go with it but you can garnish it with:

  • Whipped Cream
  • Ice Cream
  • Fresh berries or other fruit
  • Sprinkle with powdered sugar instead of using glaze.
Easy Poppy Seed Cake | Recipe by Leigh Anne Wilkes (6)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use something other than Cream Sherry?

It is an essential ingredient to this cake and gives the cake a lot of its flavor. You could substitute with orange juice but it would definitely change the flavor of the cake.

Can I make this into a lemon poppy seed cake?

You can and it will be delicious. Use a lemon pudding mix instead of vanilla. Add some lemon zest (use one lemon) and use fresh lemon juice instead of the Cream Sherry. Use lemon juice instead of water in the cake glaze.

What is the best way to store leftover poppy seed cake?

The cake should be stored in an airtight container or covered with foil. It will last up to 3 days at room temperature.
How to Freeze: Wrap cooled cake in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. It can be frozen as a whole cake or by the slice. I prefer by the slice so that I can grab a piece whenever the craving hits!

I don’t have a bundt pan what else can I use?

If you don’t have a bundt pan, use two 8 or 9 inch round cake pans. You will want to add some time of filling between the two layers. Using vanilla or almond extract in a buttercream frosting would be delicious! You could also use a cream cheese frosting.

Easy Poppy Seed Cake | Recipe by Leigh Anne Wilkes (7)

Check out more of my favorite recipes:

  • Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
  • Almond Poppy Seed Muffins with Orange Glaze
  • Orange Poppy Seed Cake
  • Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Recipe
  • The Best Chocolate Cake From A Box

Be sure and follow me over onYou Tubefor weekly cooking demos.

5 from 8 votes

Easy Poppy Seed Cake | Recipe by Leigh Anne Wilkes (8)

Poppy Seed Cake

Recipe From: Leigh Anne Wilkes

Moist and delicious poppy seed cake with a cream glaze.

serves: 12 servings

Prep:10 minutes minutes

Cook:1 hour hour

0 minutes minutes

Total:1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Rate Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow cake mix plain, no pudding
  • 1 small instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup cream sherry
  • 1/3 cup poppy seeds

Cream glaze:

  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 2-4 Tbsp. hot water

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  • Spray bundt pan with cooking spray and then flour lightly, shake off excess

  • Combine all ingredients and beat for 5 minutes

  • Pour into pan and bake for about 1 hour

  • Allow cake to cool for 10-20 minutes in the pan on a wire rack before removing cake from pan. See removal tips below.

Cream glaze:

  • Melt butter

  • Stir in vanilla and sugar

  • Add water to right consistency

  • Drizzle over top of cake

Tips & Notes:

    • Use room temperature ingredients for the best results and don’t overmix the cake batter.
    • Non Stick Spray– My best tip is to usethis spray. I’ve tried all different sprays and this one never fails me! After spraying my pan with it I also coat the pan with flour . My cake comes out perfectly every time. And make sure the spray gets into all the nooks of your pan. Use a pastry brush if you need to.
    • Batter – Make sure your batter is evenly distributed in the pan. Give the pan a few taps if needed to help the batter even out.
    • Oven– I always place my oven rack in the bottom third of the oven so my bundt pan is in the middle of my oven for even baking. Use a cake tester or a long bamboo skewer to make sure the cake is done and don’t overbake!
      • Cool Time– Don’t rush the cool time. After removing the pan from the oven let it cool in the pan on a baking rack for about 25 minutes. Trying to remove the cake while it is too warm from the pan can cause problems.
      • Remove Cake– This is the moment of truth. Gently tap the pan a few times to help loosen the cake. Shake the pan to see if the cake can move freely. If it doesn’t, take a thin knife and run it around the edge of the cake to loosen it. If the cake still feels resistant, flip it upside down onto a plate or rack and just let it sit and see if gravity helps.After removing the cake, put it back into the pan and poke holes into the cake with a wooden skewer.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 439kcal (22%) Carbohydrates: 58g (19%) Protein: 5g (10%) Fat: 21g (32%) Saturated Fat: 12g (75%) Cholesterol: 98mg (33%) Sodium: 465mg (20%) Potassium: 105mg (3%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 39g (43%) Vitamin A: 593IU (12%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 185mg (19%) Iron: 2mg (11%)

* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full disclosure here.

Course:Dessert

Cuisine:American

Easy Poppy Seed Cake | Recipe by Leigh Anne Wilkes (9)

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  1. Shauna says

    Made this cake for years – love it – sometime I just sprinkle powder sugar on the cake instead of the glaze

    Reply

  2. Debbie says

    This is it! The recipe I lost! This recipe was shared with me over 36 yrs ago. I had it memorized and never recorded the recipe. Years ago, I served it to friends gathered at my apartment after a Christmas concert. Among them was a guy who loved the cake. We were married about year later and used this recipe for our wedding cake. Also, the caterer loved it, requesting to use this recipe in her catering business.

    Reply

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Easy Poppy Seed Cake | Recipe by Leigh Anne Wilkes (2024)

FAQs

What is a substitute for poppy seeds in muffins? ›

Flax seeds, hemp seeds and chia seeds are all possible substitutes for poppy seeds. They obviously won't have the same flavor as poppy seeds, but these substitutes are a good choice when making sweet or savory baked goods. Toasting the hemp seeds enhances the nutty flavor.

What is a substitute for poppy seeds in lemon cake? ›

I understand, some of you may have difficulty getting poppy seeds. You can replace them with any seeds, chia seeds, flex seeds, or even nuts to go with the lemon flavour.

What is a good substitute for poppy seeds in curry? ›

Chia seeds: Chia seeds have a mild, nutty flavor and can be used as a substitute for poppy seeds in many recipes, although they have a slightly crunchier texture.

What can I substitute for poppy seeds in baking? ›

Poppy seeds substitute when used in bakes
  • sesame seeds.
  • flax seeds.
  • chia seeds.
  • hemp seeds.

Can you substitute chia seeds for poppy seeds in muffins? ›

I love poppy seeds but they are not nearly as good for your body as chia seeds. They taste similar and have kind of the same texture, therefore it would be the perfect health boosting substitution. You could even add both for a more interesting, colourful look if so desired!

Can I skip poppy seeds in a recipe? ›

We should never skip any ingredient, instead we should replace it with the ingredients that are easily available. That's why measurement also matters a lot. You can use melon seeds instead of poppy seeds. However, there will be a difference in the flavour compared to the actual recipe.

Is poppy seed cake good for you? ›

Promotes mental health

It helps soothe nervous irritability and act as a painkiller. Poppyseed drink also decreases the levels of cortisol in the body and help reduce stress levels. Incorporating poppy cake into your diet may provide additional nutritional benefits.

Why do you have to soak poppy seeds before baking? ›

At least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before making the batter, stir the poppy seeds into 1/4 cup (60 ml) hot water (this step softens the poppy seeds so they are more digestible). Let sit at room temperature. Then strain.

What tastes like poppy seeds? ›

Sesame seeds can be replaced with poppy seeds as they come with similar nutty taste and texture.

What is the Indian name for poppy seeds? ›

Known by various names across different states of India, also known as Posta Dana. Khus Khus or Poppy seeds are a well-known ingredient that finds a place in numerous Indian cuisines.

Which is better white or black poppy seeds? ›

Many consider the black poppy seed flavor and aroma to also be quite strong, and it is often compared to pepper. It has a spicier smell and taste. Black poppy seeds are preferred to blue or white poppy seeds in some traditional Eastern European and Jewish dishes.

Why do bakers use poppy seeds? ›

Poppy seeds perform several functions in baked goods such as: Flavor: provide a rich nutty flavor, may be intensified by toasting. Aroma: provide a mild nutty aroma. Texture: contributes a crunchy texture.

Why use poppy seeds in recipes? ›

Poppy seeds are often used in baked goods, giving the product a slight nutty, sweet/spicy taste, a crunchy texture, and a unique decoration.

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