Blueberry Lemon Poppy Seed Custard Cake

Blueberry Lemon Poppy Seed Custard Cake is a vibrant, bakery-worthy dessert that combines tart citrus, juicy berries, and a silky, custard-like crumb. Lightly sweet, delightfully tangy, and speckled with poppy seeds, this cake has a unique texture from its custard base and bursts of flavor in every bite. It’s a perfect treat for spring, brunches, or any occasion where you want something fresh and impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This custard cake is the ultimate blend of soft, creamy, and bright. The lemon brings zing, the blueberries add pops of sweetness, and the poppy seeds offer a delicate crunch. The custard-style batter creates a moist, almost pudding-like layer beneath a golden, fluffy top. It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and hits all the right notes: sweet, tart, tender, and totally satisfying.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs (room temperature)
• Milk (warmed slightly)
• Unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• Lemon zest and lemon juice
• Fresh or frozen blueberries
• Poppy seeds
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
   Separate the eggs. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar until pale and thick. Add the melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
   Stir in flour, salt, and poppy seeds. Gradually whisk in warm milk until the batter is smooth and thin.
4. Whip Egg Whites:
   In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter in three additions. The batter will be slightly lumpy and foamy—this is normal.
5. Add Blueberries and Bake:
   Gently fold in the blueberries and pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center jiggles slightly when moved.
6. Cool and Chill:
   Let the cake cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours to help the custard set. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 9 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 45–50 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: About 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Berry Blend: Use raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries for added variety.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Lavender Lemon: Add a pinch of dried culinary lavender for a floral twist.
• Extra Tangy: Increase lemon juice slightly or add a lemon glaze on top.
• Coconut Milk: Replace half the milk with coconut milk for a subtle tropical flavor.

storage/reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serve chilled or bring to room temperature before serving.
Not suitable for freezing due to the custard texture.

FAQs

What is a custard cake?

A custard cake features a light top layer and a soft, custard-like bottom that forms as the batter bakes and separates.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but do not thaw them—fold in straight from frozen to prevent bleeding.

Why is my batter so thin?

It’s supposed to be thin! The separated eggs and high liquid content create the custard texture.

Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?

It may affect the texture and flavor—whole milk or a mix of milk and cream works best.

Why does the cake need to chill?

Chilling helps the custard layer firm up and makes it easier to slice cleanly.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, it’s actually best when made ahead and chilled for a few hours or overnight.

What type of pan should I use?

An 8-inch square or round metal or glass baking dish works well—avoid dark-colored pans which may overbrown the edges.

Can I add a glaze on top?

Yes, a simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice is a delicious touch.

What should I serve with this cake?

It pairs well with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea.

Can I skip the poppy seeds?

Yes, they add texture but are optional. You can also replace them with chia seeds for a different crunch.

Conclusion

Blueberry Lemon Poppy Seed Custard Cake is a stunning and flavorful dessert that’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat. With its creamy center, bright citrus notes, and juicy berries, it’s the perfect balance of refreshing and indulgent. Whether served at brunch, tea time, or as a light dessert, this cake is sure to impress with its unique texture and irresistible flavor.

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