BUTTERMILK LEMON POPPY SEED CAKE

6 tbsp butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 tbsp grated lemon peel
2 eggs
2 egg whites
2 1/2 cups cake flour
2 tbsp poppy seeds
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1 1/3 cups low-fat buttermilk
1/4 cup lemon juice

In a large mixing bowl cream butter and 1 1/4 cups of the sugar. Add the lemon peel and mix well. Add the eggs and egg whites, one at a time, beating after each addition. In a seperate bowl, combine the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground allspice. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternating with the buttermilk. Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen from the pan. Remove and cool on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Cook, stirring, until the mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir for another minute or two until the sugar is completely dissolved. Using a fork, poke holes in the top of the cake. Gradually pour the hot lemon syrup over the cake and allow to cool completely before cutting.

Note: Use a tube pan as stated. Fluted Bundt pans are not a good substitute.

This is a file photo of a similar recipe.