Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Bright, zesty, and speckled with crunchy poppy seeds, this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Made with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a moist, tender crumb, this quick bread bursts with citrus flavor in every bite. Whether served at brunch, with a cup of tea, or as a delightful dessert, it’s sure to become a favorite year-round.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bright Lemon Flavor – Uses both zest and juice for a citrusy punch.
Perfectly Moist – Made with yogurt or sour cream for an ultra-soft crumb.
No Mixer Needed – Simple to mix by hand.
Beautiful for Gifting – Wraps up beautifully for spring, summer, or holiday treats.
Great with Glaze – A light lemon glaze takes it to the next level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lemon Poppy Seed Bread:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1½ tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp lemon zest (for extra flavor and garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Zester or grater
• Wire rack for cooling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
4. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, oil, yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Batter
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently just until combined—do not overmix.
6. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Step 5: Bake the Bread
7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Glaze
9. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
10. Drizzle over the slightly cooled loaf. Sprinkle with extra zest if desired.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
11. Slice and serve warm, at room temperature, or lightly toasted.

Tips for the Best Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
Use Fresh Lemons – Fresh juice and zest deliver unbeatable citrus flavor.
Don’t Overmix – Mix just until ingredients are incorporated for a tender crumb.
Check for Doneness – Start checking at 45 minutes; every oven is different.
Cool Before Glazing – Slightly warm is okay, but too hot will melt the glaze.
Store Properly – Wrap tightly to keep it moist for several days.

Serving Suggestions
Cup of Tea – Earl Grey or chamomile pairs beautifully.
Brunch Spread – Include with fresh fruit, eggs, and scones.
Afternoon Pick-Me-Up – A slice with iced coffee or lemonade.
Gift Idea – Wrap in parchment and tie with ribbon for a homemade treat.
Mini Loaves – Bake in mini pans and gift individually!

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving.

Freezing:

• Wrap the entire loaf or slices in plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave individual slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   Fresh is best for both flavor and aroma, but bottled can work in a pinch.
2. What’s the best oil to use?
   A neutral oil like vegetable or canola is ideal to let the lemon shine.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes—use dairy-free yogurt and ensure your glaze is also dairy-free.
4. Can I make muffins instead?
   Absolutely. Divide into muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes.
5. What if I don’t have poppy seeds?
   You can leave them out or substitute with chia seeds for a similar texture.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a sunshine-filled slice of citrusy comfort—easy to bake, beautiful to serve, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re baking for yourself or to share with loved ones, this loaf brings brightness and sweetness to any occasion.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your zesty creations.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: American Bakery

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – based on 10 slices):
Calories: 240 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Sodium: 180mg

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