Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect balance of zesty brightness and tender crumb, look no further than this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe. It’s a deliciously moist loaf bursting with fresh lemon flavor and a delightful crunch from poppy seeds, making every bite a little celebration of sweet and tangy goodness. Whether it’s for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert, this bread is a heartwarming treat that’s incredibly simple to whip up and sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for everyday ingredients that each play an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor harmony. From the creamy butter that adds richness to the zingy lemon zest that brightens the batter, every component is essential for this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe to shine.

• Butter, 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted, room temperature: Provides moistness and a tender crumb for the bread.
• Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens the loaf while helping to create a light texture.
• Lemon zest, 3 tablespoons: Infuses the bread with a fresh citrus aroma and vibrant flavor.
• Vanilla extract, 1 1/2 teaspoons: Adds warmth and depth to balance the tartness.
• Eggs, 3: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s structure.
• All purpose flour, 1 2/3 cups: The main building block, offering the necessary texture and body.
• Poppy seeds, 2 tablespoons: Add delightful crunch and subtle nuttiness in every bite.
• Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Helps the bread rise for a light and fluffy result.
• Baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon: Works with acidic ingredients to perfect the texture.
• Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
• Sour cream, 1/2 cup: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the lemon.
• Milk, 1/4 cup: Helps create a smooth, easy-to-pour batter.
• Fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons: Boosts the bright citrus flavor with natural acidity.
• Sugar, 1/4 cup (for glaze): Sweetens the glaze to perfectly counter the tart lemon notes.
• Fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup (for glaze): Creates a glossy, flavorful topping to finish the bread.

How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan either with cooking spray or by buttering and lightly flouring it. This simple step ensures your bread will release easily after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat together the room-temperature butter, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes and is essential for incorporating air, which adds to the bread’s airy texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Mix in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This gradual addition helps maintain a smooth batter and ensures the structure of your bread is stable and tender.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step evenly distributes your leavening agents and poppy seeds throughout the flour to avoid clumps and ensure consistent rises and crunch.

Step 5: Mix Sour Cream, Milk, and Lemon Juice

In a small bowl, blend sour cream, milk, and fresh lemon juice until smooth. This wet mixture adds moisture and tang, crucial for that signature lemony kick and moist crumb.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients and the wet sour cream mixture to the creamed butter mixture, alternating between them in three additions. Mix just until everything is combined and you have a smooth batter; overmixing can make the bread dense.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. If you like, sprinkle sliced almonds on top for extra crunch and an elegant touch. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Halfway through baking, tent the bread with foil to avoid over-browning. The center might seem slightly moist near the crack, but as long as it is mostly set and not runny, it is ready.

Step 8: Glaze Your Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe

Once out of the oven, let the bread cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Poke small holes all over the top with a toothpick or cake tester. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice for the glaze. When the sugar fully dissolves, pour this glossy mixture evenly over the warm loaf and let it sit for 20 minutes to set beautifully.

How to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh lemon slices can add an inviting look and amplify the lemon theme. If you want to be a bit fancy, a sprig of mint alongside will brighten up the presentation and appeal.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments. Think creamy whipped butter, tangy Greek yogurt, or a smear of honey. For brunch, serve alongside fresh berries or a crisp green salad to balance richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread and serving it toasted with a spread of cream cheese and a drizzle of lemon curd for a decadent twist. Or transform it into mini bread puddings or French toast for a playful take. Layer slices with mascarpone and fresh fruit for a unique dessert platter everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooled Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 to 3 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to save it for later, slice the bread first, then freeze pieces individually wrapped or in a resealable bag. This way, you can take out just what you need. Properly stored, it will maintain good quality for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw slices at room temperature or gently warm them in a toaster or oven for a few minutes. This warms the bread and refreshes its texture as if it were freshly baked. Adding a bit of butter while reheating elevates the flavor and moisture.

FAQs

Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon zest?

Lemon zest provides essential lemon oils that deliver potent aroma and flavor. While lemon juice adds acidity and tang, it can’t fully replace the bright intensity of zest. Using both gives the best balanced lemon flavor in this recipe.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk works well as a substitute. Each adds moisture and slight tang, which is key to the texture and flavor of this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe.

Are poppy seeds necessary?

Poppy seeds add a lovely crunchy texture and subtle nuttiness, which beautifully complements the lemon’s brightness. You could omit them if needed, but they do elevate the signature style of this bread.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Look for a lightly golden top and edges pulling away from the pan. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. A slightly moist center near the crack is normal due to the lemon glaze.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! For two loaves, simply double all ingredients and bake in two loaf pans. Keep an eye on baking time, as it might vary slightly with the additional batter volume.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking and sharing a loaf of this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe with loved ones. Its bright flavor, tender texture, and fresh homemade glaze make it a simple yet impressive treat. I hope you dive into the process with excitement and create a loaf that fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma and fills your table with smiles.

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