Lemon Poppy Seed Bread – A Citrusy, Moist, and Perfectly Sweet Treat

If you're looking for a quick bread that combines the fresh, zesty flavor of lemons with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect balance of bright citrus and a soft, tender crumb, with a delightful glaze that adds an extra pop of sweetness. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this bread will satisfy all your lemon cravings!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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Why You’ll Love Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

This bread is packed with the sunny flavors of fresh lemons, paired with the subtle nuttiness of almond extract and the pleasant texture of poppy seeds. The bread itself is moist and tender, while the lemon glaze seeps into the loaf, adding a delicious sweetness that complements the tartness of the lemon zest. It's a simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers bold flavors and a beautiful loaf perfect for sharing.

The Inspiration Behind Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Inspired by classic citrus breads, this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread takes all the best elements of traditional recipes and adds a modern twist with a touch of almond extract. Lemon and poppy seeds are a timeless pairing, with the bright citrus balancing the earthy, slightly nutty flavor of the seeds. The glaze is the finishing touch, infusing every slice with an extra layer of sweet lemony goodness.

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Tips for Perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

1. Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice and zest. The zest is where most of the bright, fragrant lemon flavor comes from, so don't skip it!
2. Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread rather than a soft, tender crumb.
3. Glaze While Warm: Pouring the glaze over the warm bread allows it to soak in, creating a moist and flavorful loaf.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Based on 10 Slices):

• Calories: 270 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fiber: 1g

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is delicious on its own, but for an extra indulgent treat, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

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Storage and Freezing Tips

• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh for longer, refrigerate for up to a week, though be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze this bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Fun Fact: The History of Poppy Seeds in Baking

Poppy seeds have been used in baking for centuries, valued not only for their unique flavor but also for their texture. They are tiny, crunchy seeds harvested from the poppy plant, and their slightly nutty taste makes them perfect for adding a little something extra to baked goods like this lemon bread.

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

For the bread:

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 3 teaspoons lemon zest (from about 1½ large lemons)
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

For the glaze:

• ⅓ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about ½ large lemon)
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8.5x4.5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, sugar, almond extract, and lemon zest until fully combined and smooth.
3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
4. Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
5. Make the glaze: While the bread is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, stir together the sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and almond extract. Heat the mixture over low heat just until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat.
6. Glaze the bread: Once the bread is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. While the bread is still warm, pour the glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to soak into the loaf.
7. Cool and serve: Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Serve with your favorite beverage and enjoy the citrusy goodness!

This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a perfect balance of bright, zesty lemon and rich, buttery flavor. The crunchy poppy seeds and sweet glaze take it to the next level, making it a delightful treat any time of the day. Whether you’re enjoying it with coffee in the morning or serving it as an afternoon snack, this bread is sure to brighten up your day!

Happy baking!