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
Scale
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