Description
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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Ingredients
For the Lemon Poppy Seed Bread:
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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1 tbsp poppy seeds
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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⅓ cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
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Zest of 2 lemons
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Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze (Optional but Recommended):
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1½ tbsp lemon juice
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½ tsp lemon zest (for extra flavor and garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American Bakery