Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a bright and flavorful quick bread that combines the tartness of fresh lemon with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. Moist and tender with a delicate crumb, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. A light lemon glaze adds an extra burst of citrus that makes each slice irresistible.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourgranulated sugarsaltbaking powdersour creameggsvegetable oillemon juicelemon zestrpopppy seedsvanilla extractpowdered sugarmilk

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.

In another bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, sour cream, oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

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 to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and a bit of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 loaf (about 8 slices).
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Cooling and glazing time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor.

Add a handful of blueberries for a fruity twist.

Make muffins instead of a loaf for quicker baking and individual servings.

Top with slivered almonds before baking for added texture.

storage/reheating

Store Lemon Poppy Seed Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Can I omit the poppy seeds?

Yes, but they add a nice texture and visual appeal.

Why is my bread dense?

Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can cause a dense texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Does the glaze harden?

Yes, it will set after a few minutes and form a light crust.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes, melted butter can be used, but the bread may be slightly denser.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply divide the batter between two loaf pans.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

Use plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute.

Can I make this into a bundt cake?

Yes, adjust the baking time accordingly.

Is this bread very sweet?

It has a balanced sweetness with a strong lemon flavor.

Conclusion

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a refreshing and easy-to-make treat that’s full of citrusy goodness and subtle crunch. Perfect for any time of day, it’s a must-try for lemon lovers and anyone looking to brighten their baking repertoire.

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