Description
Bright, zesty, and delightfully tender, this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a cheerful treat for any time of day. With a tangy lemon glaze and a moist crumb speckled with tiny poppy seeds, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Easy to make and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, this loaf will be your new favorite baked good.
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Ingredients
For the Bread:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp poppy seeds
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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3 large eggs
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
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½ cup vegetable oil
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Zest of 2 lemons
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (adjust for desired thickness)
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½ tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light and creamy.
Add yogurt, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Stir gently with a spatula just until combined—do not overmix.
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 into the center comes out clean.
If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Cool the Bread
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Then remove from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Step 7: Make the Lemon Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Adjust the consistency with more juice or sugar as needed.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and sprinkle with lemon zest if desired.
Step 8: Let Set and Slice
Allow the glaze to set for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Use Fresh Lemons – Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same flavor.
Zest First, Then Juice – It’s easier to zest a whole lemon.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the bread light.
Test for Doneness – Use a toothpick to check the center of the loaf.
Cool Before Glazing – Warm bread will melt the glaze and make it runny.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American