This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a delightful combination of zesty citrus flavor and nutty crunch, perfect for any time of the day. Soft, moist, and topped with a luscious lemon glaze, this bread is a slice of sunshine on your plate. The tiny bursts of poppy seeds add a wonderful texture, making every bite irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re sharing it with guests or savoring it with a warm cup of tea, this bread is sure to brighten your day.
What Makes This Bread Special
The magic lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The vibrant lemon zest and juice infuse the bread with a refreshing tang, while the poppy seeds provide a subtle nutty crunch. The tender crumb is perfectly complemented by the creamy lemon glaze, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but elegant enough to serve at brunches or gatherings.
A Treat for Any Occasion
Imagine pulling this beautiful loaf out of the oven, your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of lemon and vanilla. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a mid-afternoon snack, or a dessert, Lemon Poppy Seed Bread feels like a warm embrace in every slice. Its bright flavor and stunning presentation make it a showstopper for special occasions, yet it’s so easy to make that it can become a beloved staple in your home.
Perfect for Gifting
This bread also makes a wonderful homemade gift. Wrap it up with a bow, and you’ve got a thoughtful and delicious present for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
Ingredient Notes
For the Bread
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the bread’s soft crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
- Baking soda: Reacts with acidic ingredients for a tender texture.
- Poppy seeds: Adds a nutty crunch to each bite.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Butter (or oil/coconut oil): Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and tenderizes the crumb.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and tang for tenderness.
- Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
- Lemon zest: Brings bright, citrusy flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out flavors.
For the Glaze (Optional)
- Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds tangy brightness to the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. Here’s how to elevate its presentation:
Drizzle with a thick lemon glaze for extra sweetness and tang.
Garnish with thin slices of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a bakery-style touch.
Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries for a decadent treat.
Serve alongside a cup of tea, coffee, or freshly squeezed lemonade to complement the citrusy flavors.
Tips for Bread Perfection
Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest make all the difference in flavor. Avoid bottled juice for the best results.
Don’t overmix the batter: To keep the bread tender, mix just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make it dense.
Cool before glazing: Let the bread cool completely before pouring on the glaze to ensure it sets beautifully.
Store it right: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh.
A Slice of Joy
Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Its bright, citrusy notes and tender crumb make it a standout treat, perfect for any occasion. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again.
Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter melted, (or sub oil or coconut oil)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 ½ Tbsp poppy seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp lemon zest (1 large or 2 small lemons)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3-4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Let's get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x5-inch pan, line the bottom with parchment paper, and give it a light spritz with cooking spray so your bread doesn't stick!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt. In a larger bowl, beat together the sugar, your choice of oil or melted butter, yogurt, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. This will create a rich, smooth mixture.
- Now, gently fold in the dry ingredients from the medium bowl. Be careful not to overmix—just until everything is combined.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 55 minutes to an hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once it's done, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely and get that perfect texture.
Notes
- Freezing: If you want to save this delicious loaf for later, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
- For Muffins: You can also make muffins with this recipe. Just bake them for 15-20 minutes, and you'll get about 18 muffins.
- For Mini Loaves: If you're in the mood for mini loaves, bake them for about 30-35 minutes. This recipe will give you 4 adorable little loaves!
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