Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Blackberry Cake Recipe
This Gluten Free Lemon Poppy Seed Blackberry Cake is a moist and zesty treat featuring fresh blackberries, tangy lemon, and crunchy poppy seeds. The cake is perfect for those seeking a gluten free dessert that is bursting with fresh fruit and bright flavors, topped with a luscious blackberry lemon frosting that adds a creamy, sweet finish. Ideal for gatherings or special occasions, it’s easy to make and sure to impress.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Cake Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups gluten free all purpose baking flour (Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 recommended)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup blackberries + 2 teaspoons flour (for tossing)
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (softened/room temperature)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
- 2–3 tablespoons blackberry jam
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the cake.
- Toss blackberries: Lightly toss 1/2 cup of blackberries with 2 teaspoons of flour to prevent them from sinking during baking, then set aside.
- Line the pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl or a stand mixer bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, oil, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla extract on low speed until fully combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Spoon and level the gluten free all purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then beat into the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.
- Mix thoroughly: Continue mixing on low speed until all ingredients are well incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
- Fold in poppy seeds and blackberries: Gently fold in the poppy seeds followed by the floured blackberries to maintain their integrity.
- Transfer to pan and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 32-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean; usually around 35 minutes.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then carefully flip it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting – cream butter: While the cake cools, cream the softened butter in a bowl or stand mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fully combined with the butter.
- Blend blackberries and jam: In a blender, combine fresh blackberries and blackberry jam until smooth.
- Combine frosting ingredients: Add the blackberry puree, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the butter and sugar mixture, then beat until fluffy and well combined.
- Adjust frosting consistency: Taste and adjust frosting consistency by thinning with milk if too thick or adding more powdered sugar if too thin.
- Frost and serve: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top and optionally swirl with extra blackberry jam before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use gluten free all purpose flour with xanthan gum included for best results.
- Tossing blackberries with flour keeps them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust the frosting thickness according to your preference by adding milk or powdered sugar.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest enhance the bright citrus flavor in the cake.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Keywords: gluten free cake, lemon poppy seed cake, blackberry cake, gluten free dessert, lemon cake, poppy seed cake, berry frosting cake