Poppyseed Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box Duncan Hines Butter Golden Cake Mix
- 3/4 cup oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 carton 8 oz sour cream
- 1/4 cup poppy seed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Using mixer, mix all ingredients together at medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined and smooth.
- Grease bundt pan very thick with shortening (no flour) and coat with granulated sugar.
- Bake at 350 degrees for one hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
- Allow to cool in pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
Common Problems and Solutions
Q: Why did my cake stick to the bundt pan?
A: Bundt pans need very thorough greasing. Use solid shortening (not cooking spray) and apply a thick layer in all the grooves and crevices. The sugar coating also helps create a barrier between the cake and pan.
Q: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A: Yes, yellow cake mix or white cake mix work well. Butter recipe mixes give the richest flavor, but any basic vanilla-type cake mix will work.
Tips and Techniques
The sugar coating on the greased pan creates a beautiful, slightly crunchy golden crust on the outside of the cake. Don’t skip this step—it’s what makes this bundt cake special.
Ingredient Substitutions
- sour cream: plain Greek yogurt
- vegetable oil: melted butter or coconut oil
Equipment Needed
- bundt pan
- electric mixer
- mixing bowl
Historical Context
Poppy seeds have been used in European baking for centuries, but the American bundt cake version using cake mix shortcuts became popular in the 1960s-70s when bundt pans and convenient cake mixes were kitchen staples.
