Deliciously Moist Almond Poppy Seed Cake with Sweet Glaze
Indulge in the exquisite flavor and unbelievably moist texture of our Almond Poppy Seed Cake. This delightful loaf cake isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the senses, speckled generously with poppy seeds throughout its fluffy batter and crowned with a luscious, sweet almond poppy seed glaze. Each slice offers an irresistible combination of delicate almond notes and a satisfying crunch from perfectly toasted sliced almonds on top. The delightful flavor, wonderfully fluffy crumb, and surprising simplicity of this recipe make this almond poppy seed cake truly special and a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
This almond-infused creation takes inspiration from beloved classics but elevates them to new heights. Much like our popular Almond Poppy Seed Muffins, this cake boasts a tender crumb, but it’s significantly richer and more decadent. We achieve this depth of flavor and unparalleled moisture through the thoughtful addition of butter and sour cream, transforming it from a simple muffin into a luxurious dessert. Having fallen in love with the muffins, we knew a dessert version was essential, and this delicious loaf cake proved to be the perfect, elegant solution.
While undoubtedly a magnificent dessert, the versatile nature of this cake means it pairs wonderfully with your morning cup of coffee or an afternoon tea. Don’t hesitate to treat yourself to a slice for breakfast – it’s the perfect way to start your day with a touch of sweetness and sophistication. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this almond poppy seed cake promises to be a memorable addition to any table.
Why You’ll Adore This Almond Poppy Seed Cake
Get ready to fall in love with this incredible almond poppy seed loaf cake! Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire:
- Remarkably Versatile: This quick bread effortlessly transitions from an amazing dessert to a delightful breakfast or brunch item. Its subtle sweetness and comforting almond flavor make it ideal for any time of day. Infused with aromatic almond extract in both the cake batter and the sweet glaze, every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Textures That Delight: Prepare your palate for an exciting textural journey! The crunchy poppy seeds are not only mixed into the moist batter, providing a subtle chewiness, but also generously sprinkled into the glaze, ensuring a delightful pop in every single bite. This contrast adds an extra layer of enjoyment to an already perfect cake.
- Effortlessly Freezer-Friendly: Life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean you should compromise on homemade treats. This easy cake recipe freezes exceptionally well, allowing you to double or even triple the batch. Imagine having delicious, almond-flavored cake ready in your freezer, waiting to be thawed and enjoyed at a moment’s notice – perfect for unexpected guests or a quick indulgent snack!
- Simple & Straightforward: Despite its sophisticated appearance and rich flavor, this recipe is designed for ease. With clear steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve a bakery-quality result. It’s a rewarding bake that requires minimal fuss.
Essential Recipe Ingredients for Your Glazed Almond Cake
To create this incredible Glazed Almond Cake with Poppy Seeds, you’ll need a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the cake’s signature moistness, rich flavor, and delightful texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
Ingredient Notes and Tips:
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny powerhouses are absolutely essential to take this almond cake to the next level. They add a delicate nuttiness and a wonderful, unique crunch that makes every bite exciting. You can typically find poppy seeds in the baking aisle of most grocery stores, usually near the spices. While this recipe only calls for a small amount, the rest of the jar can be put to good use in other delightful recipes, like our Orange and Poppy Seed Muffins!
- Sour Cream and Butter: These are the secret weapons behind the cake’s incredibly rich and moist crumb. Using both sour cream and butter, especially at room temperature, ensures a tender texture and deep flavor that sets this almond poppy seed cake apart from drier versions. Do not substitute with low-fat versions if you want the best results.
- Whole Milk: The choice of milk is more important than you might think! Whole milk contributes significantly to the cake’s overall moisture and richness. For optimal results and the intended texture, it’s crucial to use whole milk. Low-fat or dairy-alternative milks should generally not be used in its place as they can alter the consistency and moistness of the final product.
- Almond Extract: This is the star of the show, delivering the main, captivating almond flavor in both the cake batter and the sweet icing. For the most authentic and vibrant taste, always opt for a good quality almond extract. Watkins extract is a personal favorite of many bakers, known for its superb flavor that also shines beautifully in recipes like our Almond Sugar Cookies!
- Sliced Almonds: Sprinkled generously on top of the cake batter before baking, these sliced almonds toast beautifully in the oven, adding a wonderful golden color, an extra layer of toasted almond flavor, and a delightful crunch. While highly recommended for that extra touch of texture and flavor, this ingredient can be left out if you prefer a smoother topping or if you don’t have them on hand.
For a precise list of ingredients and their exact measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located further down below.
Creative Substitutions & Exciting Variations
While this almond poppy seed cake recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. Here are some ideas to help you customize it to your taste or make use of ingredients you already have:
- Change the Pan: While a loaf pan creates a beautiful presentation, you can easily bake this recipe in an 8-inch square pan or a 9-inch round pan for a different shape. Keep in mind that the baking time will likely vary depending on the size and depth of your chosen pan, so keep a close eye on it and test for doneness with a toothpick.
- Alternate Glazes & Frostings: The almond glaze is divine, but there are many other ways to top this cake. Consider a fragrant vanilla bean icing, a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, a decadent chocolate ganache (much like the one used in our orange chocolate cake recipe), or a light and airy mascarpone whipped cream. Each option will bring its own unique character to the cake.
- Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream: If you prefer to use plain Greek yogurt or find yourself without sour cream, it can be used as a direct 1:1 substitute. Ensure it’s full-fat for the best moisture and texture, as thinner yogurts might slightly alter the consistency of the batter.
- Citrus Poppy Seed Cake: Transform the flavor profile entirely by replacing the almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract. For a bright, zesty twist, mix a tablespoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest into the butter and sugar mixture when creaming them together. This will create a vibrant and refreshing orange poppy seed or lemon poppy seed cake that’s perfect for spring and summer!
- Nutty Additions: Beyond sliced almonds, consider folding in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and a different nutty flavor. You could also sprinkle some shredded coconut on top along with the almonds for a tropical twist.
Please note that this recipe has not been extensively tested with other substitutions or variations beyond those listed above. If you experiment with different ingredients or additions, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your creative results in the comments below to help other bakers!
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Irresistible Almond Poppy Seed Cake
Creating this delightful almond poppy seed cake is a straightforward process, broken down into simple steps to ensure perfect results every time. Follow along with these easy instructions and corresponding visuals:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and poppy seeds are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent rise and texture in your finished cake. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients. In a separate, larger bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Cream them together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and noticeably pale (this usually takes 2-3 minutes). This step incorporates air, contributing to the cake’s light texture. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream and almond extract, mixing until just combined and smooth. Avoid overmixing once the eggs and sour cream are added.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients and the whole milk into the wet ingredients, alternating between them. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand with a spatula until everything is *just* incorporated and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be very careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough, dense cake.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking. Pour the cake batter evenly into a 9×5-inch loaf pan that has been greased and lined with parchment paper (creating a sling is recommended for easy removal). Smooth the top with a spatula. Then, sprinkle a generous layer of sliced almonds over the entire surface of the batter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, which typically takes about 50-65 minutes. The top should be golden brown.
Step 5: Prepare the Almond Poppy Seed Glaze. While the cake is cooling, prepare your decadent glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, a touch of almond extract, a hint of poppy seeds, and whole milk. Start with 1.5 tablespoons of milk and add more drop by drop until you reach your desired consistency – smooth, pourable, but thick enough to cling to the cake. The poppy seeds in the glaze add an extra layer of visual appeal and textural interest.
Step 6: Glaze, Slice, and Serve! Once the cake has cooled completely on a wire rack (cooling is crucial to prevent the glaze from melting), drizzle the freshly made almond poppy seed glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Each slice will reveal the moist, fluffy interior, promising a truly delightful experience. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
Expert Baking Tips for a Perfect Almond Poppy Seed Cake
Achieving bakery-quality results at home is easier than you think with these expert tips. Pay attention to these details, and your almond poppy seed cake will be nothing short of perfection:
- Measure Flour by Weight: For consistently perfect results, especially in baking, precision is key. Always use a digital kitchen scale to measure your flour in grams (you can often find a “metric” tab in recipe cards for this). This practice helps guarantee the exact right amount of flour in your batter, preventing dry or dense cakes that can result from over-measuring with volumetric cups. We highly recommend investing in a good quality scale – many reliable options are available for around $20 and will last for years!
- Boost Almond Flavor: If you’re an absolute almond enthusiast and crave an even more intense almond presence in your cake, feel free to add an extra ¼ to ½ teaspoon of almond extract into the batter. This small adjustment can significantly enhance the rich, nutty notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- Mix Smartly with an Electric Mixer: A cordless hand mixer can be incredibly helpful for creaming together the wet ingredients, ensuring they are light and fluffy. For combining the dry ingredients and milk, you can use the mixer on low speed for a short period before switching to a spatula. However, don’t worry if you don’t have an electric mixer; this cake can still be mixed entirely by hand with a whisk and a sturdy spatula – just be sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly!
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is a golden rule in baking! Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until the flour streaks have just disappeared and you have a nice, smooth, homogeneous batter. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense, and less tender cake.
- Create a Parchment Paper Sling: To make removing your beautifully baked loaf cake from the pan effortlessly, create a parchment paper sling. Simply cut a strip of parchment paper wide enough to fit the bottom and extend up the two long sides of your loaf pan, leaving a 2-3 inch overhang on each end. This allows you to easily lift the cooled cake out without any sticking or breakage. You can find visual guides on how to make a parchment paper sling online.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are all at room temperature before you start mixing. This allows them to emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more uniform, tender crumb. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter and a denser cake.
Common Questions About Almond Poppy Seed Cake
Baking can sometimes bring up questions, especially when trying a new recipe. Here are some frequently asked questions about making this almond poppy seed cake, along with helpful answers:
No, for this specific almond poppy seed cake recipe, soaking the poppy seeds in warm water or milk before adding them to the batter is not necessary. The moisture content of our recipe is balanced to ensure the poppy seeds soften slightly during baking without pre-soaking, contributing their distinct texture and flavor directly.
Absolutely, this almond poppy seed cake freezes exceptionally well! This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or having a delicious treat on hand. For best results, allow the cake to cool completely, then slice the un-iced cake into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. This method helps prevent freezer burn and makes for convenient grab-and-go snacks. When ready to enjoy, simply defrost at room temperature and then apply the glaze if desired.
A dry cake is usually the result of two common issues: over-baking or over-measuring the flour. To prevent over-baking, remove the cake from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the very center comes out clean or with only moist crumbs attached. Remember, it will continue to bake slightly in the hot pan after being removed from the oven. For accurate flour measurement, we strongly recommend using a digital kitchen scale to weigh your flour in grams, as scooping directly from a bag can compact the flour and lead to using too much.
This recipe has specifically been developed and tested using all-purpose flour. Almond flour has a significantly different composition, moisture absorption, and protein content compared to all-purpose flour. Substituting it directly would drastically alter the cake’s texture and likely result in a much denser, crumblier, or overly moist cake. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour in this particular recipe without making extensive modifications and retesting.
This cake is wonderfully versatile! Serve it as a delightful dessert, perhaps with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a side of fresh berries. It also makes for an elegant breakfast or brunch treat alongside your favorite coffee or tea. For a lighter snack, simply enjoy a slice on its own.
Storage Instructions for Optimal Freshness
Proper storage is key to keeping your almond poppy seed cake delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to ensure its freshness:
Room Temperature Storage
For unglazed cake, once it has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will remain wonderfully moist and fresh for up to 5 days. If your cake is glazed, the glaze will soften slightly over time, but the cake itself will keep well at room temperature for 1-2 days. To prevent the glaze from sticking, you can place a piece of parchment paper lightly over the top if stacking slices.
Freezing Instructions
This cake is an excellent candidate for freezing, making it perfect for future enjoyment. Allow the cake to cool fully before preparing it for the freezer. For convenience, we recommend slicing the cake first. Wrap each individual slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Stored this way, the cake will maintain its quality for up to 1 month.
To enjoy, simply remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and let them defrost at room temperature. Once thawed, you can warm them slightly if preferred, then apply a fresh batch of glaze before serving. This method makes it a super simple grab-and-go snack or a quick dessert for unexpected cravings!
More Irresistible Almond Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of the delightful nutty flavor of almonds, you’re in for a treat! Explore these other fantastic almond-centric recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious baked goods.
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Easy Almond Croissant Shortbread Cookies
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Easy Homemade Almond Cream Cake
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Almond Poppy Seed Muffins
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Easy Almond Coffee Cake
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📖 Recipe
Almond Poppy Seed Cake with Glaze
Kayla Burton
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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9×5 inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper
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Mixing bowls
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Electric mixer recommended
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Measuring spoons
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Scale/measuring cups
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Whisk
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Spatula
Ingredients
Almond Poppy Seed Cake
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour weighed in grams or spooned and leveled
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ tablespoons poppy seeds
- ¾ cup (170.25 g) unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream room temperature
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ⅓ cup (78.86 ml) whole milk room temperature
- ¼ cup sliced almonds optional, for topping
Almond Poppy Seed Glaze
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ⅛-¼ teaspoon almond extract more/less depending on flavor preference
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Poppy Seeds (½ tsp)
optional
- 1½-2 tablespoons milk more/less depending on consistency preference
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by lightly greasing it, then lining it with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the long sides to create a “sling” for easy removal.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color (about 2-3 minutes on medium speed). Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the room temperature sour cream and almond extract until just combined.
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Alternately add the dry ingredients and the room temperature whole milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix on low speed or fold gently with a spatula until just incorporated. Stop mixing as soon as the last streaks of dry ingredients disappear to prevent a dense cake.
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Spread the prepared cake batter evenly into your lined loaf pan. Sprinkle the sliced almonds generously over the top of the batter.
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Bake on the middle rack of your preheated oven for approximately 50-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-20 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This full cooling period is important before glazing.
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While the cake cools, prepare the luscious glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract (start with ⅛ tsp and add more to taste), poppy seeds (if using), and milk (start with 1.5 tablespoons and add more drop by drop) until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the almond poppy seed glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing and serving your delicious cake!
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Notes
Nutrition: The provided nutrition information is an estimated value per slice, calculated assuming the cake is cut into 12 equal slices. Please note that the accuracy of the calorie count and other nutritional data is not guaranteed and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.