Description
Bright, zesty, and delightfully moist, this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Bursting with fresh lemon flavor and dotted with tiny black poppy seeds, it’s topped with a simple lemon glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you serve it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a refreshing dessert, this loaf is a citrusy crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients
For the Bread:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp poppy seeds
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
2 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
⅓ cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
Zest of 2 lemons
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze (optional but recommended):
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until well combined.
Whisk in yogurt, oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4: Combine & Fold
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain.
Do not overmix—this keeps the bread soft and tender.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
Drizzle over the cooled loaf and let it set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use Fresh Lemons – Fresh juice and zest give unbeatable flavor.
Don’t Skip the Yogurt – It adds moisture and a slight tang.
Cool Completely Before Glazing – So the glaze sets nicely on top.
Store Properly – Keeps well for days without drying out.
Double the Batch – It freezes perfectly for future treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American