Luscious Limoncello Poppy Seed Chiffon Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, thanks to the combination of lemon juice and limoncello.
• Its fluffy chiffon texture is light yet satisfying.
• Poppy seeds add a delightful crunch and unique visual appeal.
• A quick lemon glaze adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the citrus flavors.
• Versatile and impressive, this cake is great for casual or special occasions.

Ingredients

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

For the cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Egg whites
• Vegetable oil
• Lemon juice
• Limoncello
• Poppy seeds

For the lemon glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch tube pan.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat egg whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
4. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, lemon juice, and limoncello.
5. Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in egg whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until just combined.
7. Stir in poppy seeds: Gently fold in the poppy seeds.
8. Pour into pan: Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan.
9. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Invert and cool: Invert the cake onto a wire rack and let it cool completely.
11. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
12. Glaze the cake: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This cake serves 10-12 slices.
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Bake time: 30-35 minutes
• Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

• Alcohol-free version: Replace limoncello with additional lemon juice or a splash of lemon extract for a similar citrusy flavor.
• Orange twist: Use orange juice and orange liqueur instead of lemon juice and limoncello for a unique spin.
• Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra glaze: Double the glaze recipe for more coverage and sweetness.
• Add zest: Stir in lemon zest for a burst of vibrant citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed by microwaving individual slices for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a tube pan?

Yes, but be sure to adjust the baking time and check for doneness regularly.

2. What can I substitute for limoncello?

You can replace limoncello with extra lemon juice or lemon extract.

3. How do I know when the egg whites are properly beaten?

The egg whites should hold stiff peaks when you lift the whisk or beater.

4. Can I use a bundt pan instead of a tube pan?

Yes, but ensure it is greased and floured well to prevent sticking.

5. What’s the best way to fold in the egg whites?

Use a gentle folding motion with a spatula to avoid deflating the egg whites.

6. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake can be made a day in advance and glazed before serving.

7. Are poppy seeds necessary?

No, but they add a nice crunch and visual appeal. Feel free to omit them if desired.

8. Can I make a thicker glaze?

Yes, reduce the lemon juice or add more powdered sugar to achieve your preferred consistency.

9. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease and flour the pan thoroughly before adding the batter.

10. Can I add other flavors, like vanilla or almond extract?

Yes, a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract can enhance the flavor of the cake.

Conclusion

This Limoncello Poppy Seed Chiffon Cake is a delightful dessert that combines light, airy texture with zesty lemon flavor and a touch of elegance from limoncello. With its vibrant taste and simple preparation, it’s a recipe worth adding to your collection. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress.

---

Print