Name: Lemon Poppy Seed Bread: 5 Reasons to Love This Delightful Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons poppy seeds; 1 cup canola oil; 1 ½ cups milk; 2 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup orange juice; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon butter, melted

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Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a delightful treat that brightens up any day with its zesty flavor and moist texture. This homemade bread is infused with fresh lemon zest and tangy glaze, making it a perfect addition to your breakfast table or afternoon tea. The combination of tender crumb and crunchy poppy seeds creates a delightful texture that will keep you coming back for more. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is not just a simple bread; it’s a burst of flavors and textures. Here are some reasons why this sweet loaf is a must-try:

It’s incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the lemon juice and zest.
The addition of poppy seeds provides a delightful crunch in every bite.
This bread is versatile; enjoy it at breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert.
It’s easy to make, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
This recipe yields two loaves, making it great for sharing or freezing.
With a glaze that adds sweetness, the Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf elevates any meal.

Plus, it fits perfectly within the vegetarian diet and is a delightful American classic.

Ingredients for Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Gather these items to create your delicious bread:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 cup canola oil
1 ½ cups milk
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup orange juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter, melted

How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans and set them aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and poppy seeds until evenly combined.
Step 3: Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the canola oil, milk, and 2 cups granulated sugar until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until fully combined, forming a smooth batter.
Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ¾ cup sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
Step 8: Pour the glaze evenly over the warm loaves. Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Keep these in mind to ensure your bread turns out perfectly:

Make sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid a dense loaf.
For a richer flavor, you can use yogurt in place of some of the milk.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.

Best Ways to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

This bread is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for serving:

Enjoy it plain with a cup of tea or coffee.
Spread cream cheese frosting on it for a decadent dessert.
Pair it with fresh fruit for a refreshing brunch option.

How to Store and Reheat Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

To keep your bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

What’s the secret to perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Bread?

The secret lies in the balance of flavors and the moisture content. Using fresh ingredients like lemon zest and juice enhances the flavor profoundly. Keeping the batter smooth and avoiding overmixing is also crucial for a tender crumb.

Can I make Lemon Poppy Seed Bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Lemon Poppy Seed Quick Bread a day or two in advance. Just store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Lemon Poppy Seed Bread?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature and do not overmix the batter. Also, check your oven temperature with a thermometer for accuracy, as uneven baking can lead to undercooked or overcooked bread.

Variations of Lemon Poppy Seed Bread You Can Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you can try:

For a fruity twist, add blueberries or raspberries for a Lemon Poppy Seed Dessert.
Make a Lemon Poppy Seed Cake by layering the bread with frosting.
Try a healthy version by substituting whole wheat flour and reducing the sugar.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Cranberry Orange Pancakes for a delightful breakfast option. If you’re looking for a savory dish, consider Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze for a festive treat.

For more information on the health benefits of lemon, you can visit Healthline.

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread: 5 Reasons to Love This Delightful Loaf

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf bursting with fresh lemon zest and tangy citrus glaze. The tender crumb is lightly studded with crunchy poppy seeds, creating a delightful texture contrast. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans and set them aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and poppy seeds until evenly combined.
Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the canola oil, milk, and 2 cups granulated sugar until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until fully combined, forming a smooth batter.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ¾ cup sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
Pour the glaze evenly over the warm loaves. Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.