Lemon Poppy Seed Bread – Moist, Zesty & Perfectly Sweet
Brighten your breakfast or snack time with this moist and flavorful Lemon Poppy Seed Bread! Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and a delicate crunch from poppy seeds, this easy-to-make bread is perfect for brunch, tea time, or gifting. Soft, tender, and lightly sweetened, it pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of glaze for a homemade treat everyone will love.
Equipment
- 9x5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- hand/stand mixer
- Cooling rack
- zester
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2–3 tbsp poppy seeds
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup plain yogurt or milk
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract, glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tbsp lemon juice)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare loaf pan.
- Whisk dry ingredients and poppy seeds; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, lemon zest, juice, and vanilla.
- Alternately fold in dry ingredients and yogurt/milk until just combined.
- Pour batter into pan; bake 50–60 min until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool 10–15 min, then transfer to rack. Drizzle glaze if desired.
Notes
Toast poppy seeds for extra flavor. Don’t overmix to keep bread tender. Use fresh lemon juice for best brightness.