Why You’ll Love This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
- Versatile: Perfect for any time of the day or special occasions.
- Bright and Refreshing: The citrusy flavor is uplifting and pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.
- Moist and Tender: Thanks to the lemon juice and yogurt, each slice is perfectly soft.
- Quick to Make: Easy to whip up with simple pantry ingredients.
Tools You’ll Need
- Zester or microplane: For zesting the lemon.
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Whisk and spatula: To mix the batter.
- 9×5-inch loaf pan: For baking the bread.
Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
There’s something irresistible about the bright, zesty flavor of Lemon Poppy Seed Bread. This tender, moist loaf is infused with fresh lemon juice and speckled with crunchy poppy seeds, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Serve it plain or topped with a tangy lemon glaze for an extra burst of citrusy goodness.
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Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Softened.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt: Or sour cream.
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
For the Lemon Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the lemon juice, lemon zest, yogurt, and milk.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Lemon Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and let it set before slicing.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh juice and zest give the best flavor—bottled juice just won’t compare.
- Don’t Skip the Yogurt: It adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon it into the measuring cup and level off with a knife to avoid a dense loaf.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting and running off.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps for up to a week in the fridge.
- Freeze: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary slightly.
Q2: Can I make this recipe into muffins?
A: Absolutely! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
Q3: What can I substitute for poppy seeds?
A: You can use chia seeds or omit them entirely for a plain lemon loaf.
Conclusion: A Slice of Sunshine!
This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is the perfect combination of tangy and sweet, with a soft, buttery texture that will have you reaching for another slice. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a glaze, this loaf is bound to brighten your day!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 220
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Enjoy every slice of this zesty delight, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
