Delish Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe

Introduction

Lemon poppy seed bread is a bright and zesty treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. This moist and flavorful loaf combines fresh lemon with crunchy poppy seeds for a delightful texture and taste.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 0.5 cup buttermilk
• 0.5 cup lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to create the dry ingredient mixture.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Step 4: Stir in the lemon zest and buttermilk, then add the fresh lemon juice. Mix until the mixture is smooth.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor.
• Substitute buttermilk with regular milk if needed, but buttermilk adds extra richness.
• To add extra moisture, brush the cooled loaf with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
• For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts on top before baking.

Storage

Store the lemon poppy seed bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or toaster oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?

While lemon extract can be used in a pinch, fresh lemon juice and zest provide a more vibrant and natural lemon flavor that really makes this bread special.

Can I freeze the lemon poppy seed bread?

Yes, this bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before slicing and serving.

Delish Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 96 reviews

This Delish Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread bursting with fresh lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and crunchy poppy seeds. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this moist loaf combines the richness of buttermilk and butter with bright citrus notes for a refreshing treat. Baked to golden perfection, it’s easy to make and sure to please citrus lovers.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.25 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (Make sure it’s at room temperature.)
• 2 large eggs (Use fresh eggs for the best flavor.)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (Fresh lemon zest enhances the flavor.)
• 0.5 cup buttermilk (Can substitute with regular milk, but buttermilk gives a richer taste.)
• 0.5 cup lemon juice (Freshly squeezed is best.)

Instructions

1. Preparation Steps: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step ensures your bread comes out easily without sticking to the pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This creates the dry base for your batter.
3. Cream Butter and Eggs: In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until it is light and fluffy. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them and create a smooth texture.
4. Add Flavorings and Liquids: Stir in the fresh lemon zest and buttermilk, followed by the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix until the batter is smooth and all wet ingredients are combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently to avoid overmixing. Mix just until everything is moistened and fully combined.
6. Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
7. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is cooked through.
8. Cool the Bread: Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
• Room temperature butter creams better with sugar and eggs for a lighter texture.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and avoid toughness.
• Buttermilk adds richness and moisture but can be substituted with regular milk if necessary.
• Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

Keywords: lemon poppy seed bread, lemon bread, poppy seed bread, quick bread, citrus bread, lemon dessert, citrus loaf