Lemon Poppy Seed Tea Cakes
Recipe for a Cookie-Like Treat Enhanced with Citrus and Poppy Seeds
Oct 20, 2008
Lemon poppy seed tea cakes, are light and crispy on the outside, and sweet and moist on the inside. This lemon poppy seed recipe yields approximately 31 tea cakes. The recipe can easily be doubled for serving at large gatherings, such as a wedding reception or brunch. Lemon poppy seed tea cakes can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to one month, or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Ingredients for the Lemon Poppy Seed Tea Cakes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter - room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
Directions for the Lemon Poppy Seed Tea Cakes
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
- Sift the flour and baking soda together into a large mixing bowl.
- Stir in the lemon zest and poppy seeds.
- In another mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, using an electric mixer.
- Add the egg yolks, whole egg and lemon extract and beat at medium speed for two minutes.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat for an additional minute.
- Add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients.
- Beat at low speed until combined.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and finish mixing together with a large mixing spoon.
- Spray a 24 compartment mini muffin tray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Drop the tea cake batter by level tablespoons into the mini muffin tray.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the tray from the oven and place on a wire rack to slightly cool.
- Remove the tea cakes from the muffin pan and place on a decorative serving platter.
Recipe Tips
A microplane grater makes grating the lemon zest an easy task. Microplane graters can be purchased at kitchen supply stores and from online specialty stores such as Chef's Toys and Chef's Resource.
If desired, garnish each tea cake with a small piece of fresh herb, such as a sprig of mint, or a bit of lemon basil, prior to serving. Another serving idea is to sift a bit of powdered sugar over the tops of the tea cakes. Serve the tea cakes along with sweet clotted cream and tangy lemon curd for a very decadent addition to a traditional high tea meal.
Additional Lemon Infused Recipes
Freshly squeezed citrus juice is featured in a variety of dessert and breakfast recipes. Try making Lemon Basil French Toast or Orange Thyme Tea Cake to accompany the Lemon Poppy Seed Tea Cakes.
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