Fluffy Layered Poppy Seed Cream Cake
This fluffy layered poppy seed cream cake is a naturally separating, one-batter dessert that forms a soft custard-like middle, golden cake top, and tender poppy seed base. Lightly sweetened and enriched with butter, lemon zest, vanilla, and whole-wheat flour, it delivers an elegant texture contrast with minimal effort. The gentle baking temperature and careful folding of egg whites create the signature layered effect, making this cake both visually impressive and comfortingly simple. Perfect for gatherings, brunch, or a refined afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 450 ml whole milk warmed slightly
- 110 g poppy seeds finely ground
- 110 g whole-wheat flour
- 115 g unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 35–45 g granulated sweetener
- 1 lemon zest only
- 1 tsp vanilla powder or vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Make the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a 20×20 cm (8-inch) square pan with parchment paper.
- Separate the eggs into whites and yolks. Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until medium-stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sweetener until pale and slightly thickened. Mix in the lemon zest, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Combine the ground poppy seeds and whole-wheat flour, then add to the yolk mixture and stir until moistened.
- Slowly whisk the warmed milk into the batter until smooth and pourable.
- Gently fold in half of the whipped egg whites to lighten the batter. Add the remaining whites in two gentle additions.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until golden on top and the center is mostly set with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in the pan, then chill for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set before slicing.
Notes
- Be gentle when folding in the egg whites to help the cake form distinct layers.
- Chilling improves the sliceability and enhances the layer separation.
- Do not bake at a higher temperature or the layers may not set properly.