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KeepItSimpleAnnaSue

Meyer Lemon Olive Oil and Poppy Seed Cake

This cake is light, moist, and full of bright Meyer lemon flavor with a hint of olive oil and the perfect pop from poppy seeds. Enjoy! I LOVE lemon:)
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp. Meyer lemon zest (a smallish lemon that combines lemon flavor with orange flavor)
  • ¾ cup Meyer lemon olive oil (you can use regular olive oil)
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 tbsp. fresh Meyer lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. poppy seeds
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tbsp. sparkling sugar
Candied Lemons for Garnish
  • 1½ cups white granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup water
  • 2 Meyer lemons, sliced about ⅛ in thick

Equipment

  • hand held or stand mixer
  • 9-in round cake pan or 9 x 9 in. pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°.
  2. Use non-stick spray with flour to spray the pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. You will have to cut the paper to fit, but it will help when removing the cake.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup white granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for 2 minutes.
  4. Mix in ¾ cup olive oil, ½ cup milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp. vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate large bowl, combine 2¼ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tsp. poppy seeds, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. salt, and ¼ tsp. baking soda.
  6. Gradually add in the flour mixture until it is just combined. No need to overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  8. Sprinkle the sparkling sugar over the top of the batter.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  10. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Candied Lemons for Garnish
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 1½ cups sugar and ¾ cup water to a boil oven high heat.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the lemon rind is translucent and softened. This will take about 20-30 minutes.
  3. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Carefully remove the lemon slices using tongs and place them flat on the rack.
  5. Let the lemons cool completely before using to garnish the cake. They are so beautiful!

Notes

You can use regular lemons if you can't locate Meyer lemons.