If you have a soft spot for bright, zesty flavors that brighten up your morning or afternoon snack, you will absolutely adore this Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe. It’s wonderfully moist, bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, and speckled with crunchy poppy seeds that add a subtle nutty texture. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this bread feels like sunshine wrapped up in a loaf—comforting, sweet, and irresistibly fresh all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple yet essential is the secret to making this bread sing with flavor. Each ingredient plays its part, from the bright lemon zest to the creamy Greek yogurt that gives the bread its tender crumb and slight tang.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for structure and that classic bread texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a light, fluffy bite.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the bread’s flavors.
- Fresh lemon zest: Provides a burst of aromatic citrus brightness.
- Whole milk plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and tender crumb with subtle tanginess.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf just right without overpowering the lemon.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and enrich the bread’s texture.
- Poppy seeds: Deliver a delightful crunch and nutty surprise in each bite.
- Oil (vegetable, canola, or olive): Keeps the loaf moist and tender.
- Fresh lemon juice: Intensifies the lemon flavor and freshness.
- Milk: Adds extra moisture for softness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors for a subtle warmth.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Makes a smooth, sweet topping.
How to Make Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease an 8 ½ by 4 ½-inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread will bake evenly and won’t stick when it’s time to remove it from the pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. This dry mix provides the backbone of the bread’s structure and will be folded gently into the wet ingredients later.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the freshly grated lemon zest, creamy Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, lightly beaten eggs, poppy seeds, oil, fresh lemon juice, milk, and vanilla extract. This combination brings all the moist, flavorful components together and creates that wonderful lemony base.
Step 4: Fold Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. The batter will be lumpy—that’s exactly what you want to keep the bread delightfully tender and not overworked.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 42 to 47 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aromas of lemon and poppy seeds filling your kitchen will signal that the bread is nearly done.
Step 6: Make the Lemon Syrup
While the bread bakes, gently warm some fresh lemon juice and granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. This syrup will soak into the bread once it comes out of the oven to infuse extra moisture and that unmistakable lemon brightness.
Step 7: Soak the Bread
Right after removing the bread from the oven, pour the warm syrup over the hot loaf. This step locks in moisture, giving you a beautifully soft and intensely lemony bread.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
After the bread has cooled completely in the pan, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle this bright, sweet glaze on top for a glossy finish that balances tartness and sweetness perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To keep things fresh and inviting, scatter a few extra poppy seeds or some thin lemon zest curls on the glaze. A sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely finishing touch that delights the eyes as much as the palate.
Side Dishes
This lemon poppy seed bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a relaxing morning. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh berries, creamy ricotta, or even some sliced smoked salmon to bring out contrasting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe into a dessert by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey. Or, toast slices lightly and top with ricotta and a drizzle of honey for a simple yet elegant treat that’s perfect anytime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread soft and moist for snacking without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save the bread longer, slice it and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen bread stays fresh for up to three months and can be thawed easily when you’re ready for a tasty bite.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven for a few minutes until warm. This revives that fresh-baked feel and enhances the lemon aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of yogurt?
Absolutely! While whole milk Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang, you can use regular plain yogurt or even a dairy-free alternative, but note the texture and flavor might shift slightly.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to bright citrus flavor. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but zesting fresh lemons is highly recommended for the best aroma and taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary a bit but it still tastes fantastic.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready. Overbaking can dry it out, so watch closely toward the end of baking time.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, doubling the recipe works perfectly if you want to make two loaves. Just be sure to use two loaf pans and watch the baking time closely—it may need a few extra minutes depending on your oven.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe is one of those delightful little joys that feels like a gift from the kitchen to yourself and those you share it with. It’s fresh, bright, and wonderfully moist, perfect for any time you want a slice of sunshine. I can’t wait for you to whip up a loaf and enjoy that magical lemony goodness that makes this recipe such a favorite!
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Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a moist, tangy, and sweet treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, studded with crunchy poppy seeds, and finished with a lemon syrup soak and a sweet lemon glaze, this bread offers a delightful citrus flavor with a soft crumb. Simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly grated zest of 2 large lemons
- ¾ cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
- â…“ cup oil (vegetable, canola or olive)
- 2 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 ½ tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Syrup
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Glaze
- 1 – 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8 ½ x 4 ½-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set this bowl aside for later use.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, add freshly grated lemon zest, plain Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, lightly beaten eggs, poppy seeds, oil (vegetable, canola, or olive), fresh lemon juice, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet yogurt mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter will remain slightly lumpy, which is normal for this recipe.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently. Bake in the preheated oven for 42 to 47 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Lemon Syrup: While the bread is baking, combine ¼ cup fresh lemon juice and ¼ cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves and the syrup is warm.
- Soak the Bread: Once the bread is removed from the oven, immediately pour the warm lemon syrup evenly over the hot bread in the pan. Let the bread cool completely in the pan to absorb the syrup.
- Make the Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with ½ cup powdered sugar. Add more lemon juice as needed to achieve a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the prepared lemon glaze over the cooled bread. Slice and serve this flavorful and moist lemon poppy seed bread to enjoy.
Notes
- The syrup soak keeps the bread moist and infuses extra lemon flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright and authentic citrus taste.
- You can substitute whole milk Greek yogurt with regular Greek yogurt or sour cream if preferred.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread texture light and tender.
- This bread keeps well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt and milk with plant-based alternatives, and use oil accordingly.
