Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe for Bright Mornings

Summer mornings call for a slice of zesty lemon poppy seed bread that bursts with bright citrusy flavors and a delightful crunch.

poppy seeds scatter through this tender loaf like tiny black gems, adding texture and subtle nutty undertones.

The tangy lemon glaze brings a refreshing twist that wakes up your taste buds with each bite.

Soft, moist, and incredibly simple to make, this bread comes together in just one bowl with basic pantry ingredients.

Whisking the batter takes mere minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the delicious results.

Every slice promises a perfect balance of sweet and tart that pairs beautifully with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

This recipe guarantees a bakery-worthy treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread – Ingredient Highlights

• Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and tender crumb, choose a neutral-flavored oil for smooth texture.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness, select fresh room-temperature eggs for best integration.
• Sour Cream: Enhances tanginess and creates soft structure, opt for full-fat version for maximum flavor.
• Milk: Adds liquid and helps blend ingredients, whole milk works best for richer results.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens overall flavor profile, use pure extract for authentic taste.
• Lemon Juice: Introduces bright citrus notes, freshly squeezed provides most vibrant flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structural foundation, look for unbleached flour for better texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with caramelization, white sugar works perfectly.
• Baking Powder: Provides lift and airiness, check expiration date for maximum rising potential.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor, use fine table salt.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus essence, use microplane for finest zesting.
• Poppy Seeds: Adds delightful crunch and visual interest, ensure seeds are fresh and fragrant.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze, sift to remove lumps.
• Lemon Juice: Provides tangy glaze component, freshly squeezed recommended.

Mixing Tools You’ll Want on Hand

• 8×4 inch loaf pan: Essential for baking the bread, ensures perfect shape and size.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy removal of bread from pan.
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for gently folding ingredients without overmixing.
• Whisk: Key for smoothly blending wet and dry ingredients without lumps.
• Medium bowl: Needed for mixing wet ingredients.
• Large bowl: Used for combining dry ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Aluminum foil: Optional tool for covering bread if top browns too quickly.
• Toothpick: Helps check bread's doneness by testing center.

Baking Instructions for Light & Citrusy Bread

• Oven Warmup

Set the oven to a cozy 325°F and prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper and a light coating of grease.

• Wet Ingredient Magic

In a mixing bowl, whisk together oil, eggs, sour cream, milk, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, and poppy seeds in a separate large bowl, creating a fragrant mountain of dry ingredients.

• Batter Creation

Create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and gently pour the wet mixture inside. Fold everything together with a light touch until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

• Baking Time

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and slide it into the middle of the oven. Bake for about an hour, keeping an eye out for a golden top. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover with foil.

• Finishing Touches

Once completely cooled, drizzle a tangy lemon glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides of the bread. The glaze brings a bright, zesty finish that makes this bread irresistible.

Ideas to Elevate or Customize the Bread

• Expert Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Tips
• Grate only the bright yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for maximum flavor intensity.
• Lightly coat poppy seeds in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution throughout the bread.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative that maintains the bread's tender crumb and rich texture.
• Enhance the lemon glaze by adding a tiny pinch of lemon zest or a drop of pure lemon extract for an extra citrusy punch.
• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Plating Lemon Poppy Bread for Breakfast or Snack

• Here are the Serving Suggestions
• Elevate Morning Breakfast: Slice the lemon poppy seed bread and serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat. Pair with fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add extra brightness.
• Create Afternoon Tea Delight: Cut into thin, elegant slices and arrange on a beautiful plate for a sophisticated afternoon tea experience. Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves.
• Transform into Dessert Parfait: Crumble the bread into small pieces and layer with whipped cream and lemon curd in a glass for a stunning, textured dessert. Top with a sprinkle of poppy seeds for extra crunch and visual appeal.
• Gift with Love: Wrap slices in parchment paper and tie with a pretty ribbon for a homemade gift that shows care and thoughtfulness. Perfect for neighbors, friends, or as a hostess present.

Storing Lemon Bread Without Drying It Out

• Store Fresh Slices Smartly: Wrap individual bread slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping them at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain moisture and softness.
• Refrigerate for Extended Freshness: Place the entire loaf or sliced pieces in an airtight container, lasting up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.
• Freeze for Long-Term Enjoyment: Carefully wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air exposure to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Revive Day-Old Bread: Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast briefly to restore the bread's original texture and enhance its lemony flavor.

Tangy Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade lemon poppy seed bread brings zesty brightness to classic quick bread recipes. Moist crumb with tangy citrus notes and delicate poppy seed texture creates perfect breakfast or afternoon snack for eager bakers seeking simple comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) canola or vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk, 2% or whole recommended
• 3 tbsps lemon zest
• 3 tbsps lemon juice (45 ml), freshly squeezed
• 1 ½ tbsps poppy seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ tsps baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 to 1 ½ cups (110 – 165 grams) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsps (15–30 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 325°F (170°C) with rack centered, ensuring uniform heat distribution.
2. Pan Setup: Line an 8×4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, meticulously buttering and flouring sides to guarantee effortless release.
3. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Vigorously whisk vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until seamlessly blended and silky smooth.
4. Dry Ingredient Integration: In a separate large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, lemon zest, and poppy seeds, thoroughly mixing to eliminate potential clumping.
5. Batter Assembly: Create a central well in dry ingredients, gently pour liquid mixture, and fold with a rubber spatula, maintaining a light touch to preserve airy texture and eliminate flour streaks.
6. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly, then bake for 55-65 minutes. Monitor for golden-brown coloration and test doneness with a toothpick – it should emerge pristine.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Remove from oven, tent with foil if browning too rapidly. Cool completely on a wire rack, then craft a luxurious lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice.
8. Glazing Finale: Once bread reaches room temperature, drizzle glaze generously, allowing it to cascade naturally down the sides for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Prep with Precision: Line the pan meticulously to ensure easy bread removal and prevent sticking.
• Mix Mindfully: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients to maintain a light, airy texture without overmixing.
• Watch While Baking: Monitor bread color and use foil tenting if surface browns too quickly to prevent burning.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow bread to cool completely on a wire rack to set structure and prevent moisture buildup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg