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Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Roll

Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Roll - Easy, No-Bake Dessert

5 from 1 vote
This no-bake Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Roll is one of those effortless desserts that feels both elegant and comforting at the same time. It’s fresh, creamy, and lightly tangy, perfect when you want something special without turning on the oven.
Servings 10 servings
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 40 ladyfingers
  • milk , for dipping the ladyfingers

Lemon Curd

  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
  • 1 tbsp (10g) lemon zest from 2 lemons
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter , cut into small pieces

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 9 oz (250g) cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract
  • 1 ⅔ cup (400g) whipping cream , chilled
  • 2 tbsp (20g) poppy seeds

For Decorating

  • sweetened whipped cream
  • reserved lemon curd

Instructions
 

Prepare the lemon curd.

  • In a heatproof bowl, add eggs and sugar and whisk to combine.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step1
  • Add lemon zest, and lemon juice and whisk to combine.
  • Place the bowl over a pan with simmering water.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step3
  • Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for about 8-10 minutes, until thickened.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step4
  • Remove from heat and gradually add butter and whisk until melted and smooth.
  • Let it cool and refrigerate until ready to use.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step9

Prepare the cream cheese filling.

  • In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step12
  • Add the whipping cream.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step13
  • Continue mixing until stiff peaks form.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step14
  • Add poppy seeds and gently fold them in.
  • Set aside.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step16

Assemble the cake roll.

  • Dip each ladyfinger in milk, then lay it onto a sheet of parchment paper.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step17
  • Keep going until you’ve formed a rectangle with 40 ladyfingers, about 10 rows of 4, all lined up horizontally.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step18
  • Spoon about half of the cream cheese filling over the ladyfingers, dropping it in small heaps from place to place.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step19
  • Use an offset spatula to gently spread it into an even layer.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step20
  • Next, spoon the lemon curd over the filling, again placing it in small dollops. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of curd for decorating.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step21
  • Spread it as evenly as you can, but try not to mix it into the cream cheese layer.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step22
  • Starting from the long side of the rectangle, carefully roll the cake up, using the parchment paper to help guide it.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step25
  • Refrigerate the roll for about 2 hours so it can firm up.
  • Once chilled, cut the edges and transfer to a serving plate.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step27
  • Spoon the remaining cream cheese frosting all over the outside of the roll.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step28
  • Spread it evenly.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step30
  • Decorate with whipped cream. I used a piping bag fitted with a Saint Honoré tip for a delicate, wavy look.
  • Finish with small dots of lemon curd over the cream for a pop of color and a hint of citrus freshness.
    Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Roll step33

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving out of 10Calories: 437kcalCarbohydrates: 41.64gProtein: 8.85gFat: 26.81gSaturated Fat: 15.17gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 183mgSodium: 201mgPotassium: 183mgFiber: 0.8gSugar: 19.79gVitamin A: 1002IUVitamin C: 4.1mgCalcium: 129mgIron: 1.93mg
Calories: 437kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: lemon, lemon dessert, no-bake cake roll, poppy seed cake