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.

Instead of a traditional sponge, I used soft ladyfingers, lightly soaked in milk until just tender. They create a delicate, flexible base that rolls up beautifully and gives the cake its signature shape.

The filling is a creamy blend of cream cheese, whipping cream and poppy seeds. It is smooth and slightly tangy, with a subtle nutty texture that makes each bite more interesting. Over that, I added a generous layer of lemon curd, bringing a bright, citrusy freshness that balances everything perfectly.

Once rolled, the cake is finished with a layer of cream cheese frosting, then decorated with swirls of whipped cream and dots of lemon curd. It looks lovely when sliced, with its soft layers and gentle spiral.

It’s a simple dessert, but it feels a little festive, perfect for spring days, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something light and refreshing.

How to make Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Roll

For this ladyfinger cake roll, begin with the lemon curd so it has time to cool. Next, prepare the cream cheese poppy seed frosting. Once everything is ready, quickly dip the ladyfingers in milk and assemble the cake roll.

Prepare the lemon curd

Begin with adding the eggs and sugar to a heatproof bowl and whisking until well combined. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, then whisk again until smooth.

Place the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for about 8–10 minutes, until the mixture thickens.

Remove from the heat and gradually add the butter, whisking until fully melted and silky smooth. Let the lemon curd cool, then refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare the cream cheese filling

In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese until completely smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.

Pour in the whipping cream and continue mixing until stiff peaks form and the filling becomes light and airy. Gently fold in the poppy seeds, then set aside.

Assemble the cake roll

Quickly dip each ladyfinger in milk, then arrange them on a sheet of parchment paper. Continue until you form a rectangle of about 40 ladyfingers, arranged in roughly 10 rows of 4, all aligned horizontally.

Spoon about half of the cream cheese filling over the ladyfingers, placing small dollops across the surface. Using an offset spatula, gently spread it into an even layer.

Next, add the lemon curd in small spoonfuls over the cream layer. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of curd for decorating. Carefully spread it out as evenly as possible, taking care not to blend the layers together too much.

Starting from the long side, gently roll the cake using the օգնment paper to guide you, forming a tight, even roll. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, allowing it to firm up and hold its shape.

Finish and decorate

Once chilled, trim the edges for a clean finish and transfer the roll to a serving plate. Spread the remaining cream cheese frosting evenly over the outside.

Decorate with whipped cream, piping it with a Saint Honoré tip for a soft, elegant wave pattern. Finish with small dots of lemon curd scattered over the top, adding a bright pop of color and a hint of citrus freshness.

Slice and serve chilled. The contrast of the delicate ladyfingers, airy cream, and vibrant lemon creates a dessert that feels light, refined, and beautifully balanced in every bite.

Hope you will try this easy Ladyfinger Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Roll. If you do, make sure to share the photos with me on Instagram. Would love to see how it turns out for you.

Other lemon desserts you may like to try

This Lemon Meringue Tart with a crisp crust, silky lemon filling, and fluffy toasted meringue is bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced.

This Lemon Poppy Seed Cake with Lemon Curd and White Chocolate is soft, zesty, and layered with creamy, sweet-tart flavors.

These Lemon Poppy Seed Meringue Cupcakes are light, citrusy treats topped with airy meringue and filled with lemon curd, perfect for any occasion.