Lemon Poppy Seed Bread: A Zesty, Moist Treat You’ll Love
There’s something about the combination of bright citrus and a touch of crunch that makes Lemon Poppy Seed Bread a standout treat. Whether you’re enjoying it with a hot cup of coffee in the morning or serving it as an afternoon snack, this easy-to-make quick bread is the perfect way to bring a burst of fresh, zesty flavor to your day. Light, fluffy, and moist, it has just the right balance of sweet and tangy, with the added crunch of poppy seeds that make every bite just a little more special.
With a tangy lemon glaze that takes it over the top, this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread will be a hit at any brunch, tea party, or as a comforting snack to enjoy all week long. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a perfect baking project for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Let’s take a closer look at why this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
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Bright and Refreshing Flavor: The star of this recipe is the lemon—its tangy, fresh flavor comes through in both the bread and the glaze, making this a refreshing treat that feels light and citrusy.
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Perfectly Moist: With a combination of butter, sour cream, and eggs, this bread turns out incredibly moist, without being overly heavy. It’s tender and soft, with a crumb that melts in your mouth.
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Easy to Make: This bread is incredibly simple to make, even for novice bakers. The batter comes together in no time, and once it’s in the oven, you can relax while it bakes to golden perfection. No fancy techniques required—just mix and bake!
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Versatile: Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, this bread works for any occasion. Pair it with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat, or enjoy it as a sweet addition to a weekend spread.
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Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: This bread stays moist for several days and even freezes well. You can easily make a batch ahead of time, store it in the fridge, or freeze individual slices for a grab-and-go treat anytime.
How to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
This bread is delicious all on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your serving:
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With Tea or Coffee: Pair it with a cup of hot tea, like Earl Grey or chamomile, or enjoy it with your morning coffee. The lemony flavor is the perfect match for both.
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As a Dessert: Top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a light dessert after dinner. The citrus notes in the bread pair beautifully with creamy toppings.
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With Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries or a fruit salad for a bright, refreshing combination. The fruit brings out the natural sweetness of the bread while adding a juicy contrast.
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Topped with Cream Cheese: For an indulgent twist, spread a thin layer of cream cheese on top of a slice of this bread. The creamy texture complements the zesty lemon flavor wonderfully.
Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe
Ready to make this sweet, citrusy bread? Here’s the recipe for the Lemon Poppy Seed Bread that will quickly become one of your favorites.
Lemon Poppy Seed Bread With Lemon Curd Filling
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Sweets & Treats
Cuisine
Bread
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour
This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is everything you want in a quick bread—moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The bright, zesty lemon flavor and the added crunch from the poppy seeds make each bite a delightful experience. Whether you're baking it for a special occasion, a weekend treat, or just because, this bread is sure to impress.
So next time you’re looking for a recipe that’s both simple and delicious, try thisLemon Poppy Seed Bread. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and crunch, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
This is the perfect treat for spring! It’s the perfect mix of fresh lemon and yummy sweetness. Want to kick it up a notch? Make it with my Homemade Lemon Curd (recipe here) to really knock your socks off! and ps- this is still just as yummy if you leave the curd out completely!
Author:Kathryn Martens
Ingredients
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2 eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¾ cup milk
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½ cup butter melted
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3 tsp lemon zest grated
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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¼ tsp salt
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2 tbsp poppy seeds
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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½ cup lemon curd
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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2 tbsp heavy cream
Lemon Icing
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and spray with a nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, add eggs, milk, vanilla, butter and sugar. Mix until smooth.
Add in lemon juice and zest, flour, baking powder, poppy seeds and salt. Gently stir to combine. Do not over mix.
Pour half the batter into prepared loaf tin. Even out the top and drizzle in the lemon curd. Even the curd out with a spatula or back of a spoon. Top with remaining half of batter.
Place in preheated oven and cook for 50-60+ minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when the middle of the loaf is poked. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
Make icing: whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
After allowing loaf to cool, pour icing glaze over the top of the lemon loaf. Garnish with extra poppy seeds and lemon slices if desired.
Recipe Note
Tips for Perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon zest and juice. The zest adds a fragrant, citrusy kick that really shines in the bread.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light, fluffy texture.
Substitute Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream: If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute. It will give the bread a similar tang and texture.
Add a Little Extra Lemon: If you want a more intense lemon flavor, you can add a bit more lemon zest or juice to the batter or the glaze. Adjust according to your taste!
Freeze for Later: This bread freezes beautifully! Once it’s fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and drizzle with fresh glaze before serving.
Make my homemade lemon curd to make this even better! Get the recipe here.