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Delightful Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Start your day with a burst of flavor and sunshine by baking this delightful lemon poppy seed bread! Moist, tangy, and topped with a luscious glaze, this loaf is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Infused with fresh lemon zest and poppy seeds, each bite offers a comforting blend of buttery goodness and brightness that’s perfect any time of day. Add the irresistible drizzle of lemon glaze, and you have a treat that’s nothing short of happiness.

Pair it with your morning coffee or tea for a cozy pick-me-up, and watch as it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire!

Sliced lemon poppy seed loaf with sugar glaze on top.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Lemon Goodness In Every Bite: Brace yourself for a vibrant, zesty flavor that permeates the loaf from its crumb to the delightful glaze. The double layer of fresh lemon juice and zest ensures a citrus explosion in every bite, making it a must for all lemon fans!

Effortlessly Elegant: The golden exterior and the charmingly speckled crumb from poppy seeds give this bread a stunning visual appeal. It’s perfect for gifting or showcasing at your next gathering.

Perfect for Any Occasion: This quick bread is versatile enough to serve as a relaxing breakfast, a sweet afternoon snack, or as a delightful addition to your tea time. Its delectable flavor profile and appealing presentation make it suitable for any event!

Ingredients

Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest: Adds a bright, tangy flavor to both the bread and glaze.
Poppy Seeds: Offers a mild, nutty flavor and delightful crunch, enhancing the bread’s texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for a tender and fluffy crumb.
Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the lemony notes.
Butter: Contributes richness and moisture with a buttery flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Eggs: Adds stability and moisture to the loaf, contributing to its light texture.
Buttermilk & Sour Cream: Provide necessary moisture and creaminess.
Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, sweet undertone to round out the flavors.
Powdered Sugar: The main ingredient for the glaze, creating a smooth and sweet finish.

Slices of lemon poppy seed bread on a wooden board.

How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is easy to follow and quick to prepare!

Here’s how to whip it up:

PREHEAT your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
WHISK together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
BEAT the sugar, softened butter, and lemon zest in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
MIX in the eggs one at a time, then gradually blend in the lemon juice and vanilla extract on low speed.
ALTERNATE adding the dry ingredients, buttermilk, and sour cream (flour, buttermilk, flour, sour cream, flour) until just combined. Be gentle while folding to maintain lightness.
POUR the batter into the prepared loaf pan and BAKE for 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
COOL in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
WHISK together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl, adjusting until you reach a smooth consistency.
DRIZZLE the glaze over the cooled bread, letting it cascade down the sides before slicing, serving, and savoring!

Lemon poppy seed bread with sugar glaze and lemon slices on top.

Tips for the Best Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

This beautifully flavored bread proves that simple can be extraordinary! Here are some handy tips to ensure your lemon poppy seed bread is the star of the show:

Use room-temperature ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, and dairy are at room temperature to create a smoother batter.
Toast the poppy seeds: Toasting in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes enhances their flavor considerably.
Sift for extra fluffiness: Sifting the flour will aerate it, resulting in a lighter texture.
Microplane for zest: Use a microplane grater to finely zest your lemons and avoid the bitter pith.
Maximize the lemon flavor: Rubbing lemon zest into the sugar can release more flavorful oils.
Check for doneness early: Start testing your bread at the 40-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Adjust glaze consistency: For a thicker glaze, reduce the lemon juice or add some lemon zest for an extra tangy kick.

Lemon poppy seed bread slices on a wooden board.

How to Store

No need to worry about leftovers; this lemon loaf keeps well!

To Store: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be refrigerated for about a week.

To Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the unglazed bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it completely at room temperature before glazing and serving.