Description
Bright, zesty, and lightly sweet, Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a delightful quick bread bursting with citrus flavor and a tender crumb. The combination of fresh lemon juice, fragrant zest, and nutty poppy seeds creates a refreshing treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. Topped with a simple lemon glaze, this loaf is as beautiful as it is delicious.
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Ingredients
For the Bread:
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze (Optional but recommended):
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp lemon juice (adjust for desired thickness)
• ½ tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth and combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Do not overmix—stop once no flour streaks remain.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread and top with a little lemon zest if desired.
Notes
Use Fresh Lemons – Fresh juice and zest make a huge flavor difference.
Don’t Overmix – Keep the texture light by mixing just until combined.
Let It Cool – Glazing warm bread will cause the glaze to melt.
Make It Healthier – Sub whole wheat flour for half the flour if desired.
Double It – Bake one now and freeze one for later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American