Name: Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup butter, melted (or substitute with oil or coconut oil); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons lemon zest (about 1 large or 2 small lemons); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

If you are craving a bright, sunny slice of sweetness with just the right amount of tang and texture, this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Bursting with fresh lemon zest and speckled with crunchy poppy seeds, every bite delivers a perfect balance of moist, tender crumb and zesty punch. Whether you’re craving an uplifting breakfast treat, or a delightful afternoon snack, this bread offers a homemade charm with simple pantry ingredients that come together effortlessly. Trust me, once you try this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe, it will be a staple in your baking repertoire!

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a shiny metal bowl placed on a white marbled surface, there are three main layers of ingredients. At the bottom, there is a thick, creamy white mixture with a grainy texture. Above this, some bright yellow egg yolks sit together, adding a smooth and glossy layer. On the top right side, there is a dollop of thick white cream, slightly shiny and smooth, with small bits of bright yellow zest sprinkled over the whole mixture. The bowl's inner walls have some remnants of the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Nothing fancy here—just straightforward, everyday ingredients that combine to create a loaf full of flavor and texture. Each item plays a vital role, from the tangy Greek yogurt that keeps the bread moist, to the poppy seeds that add a lovely crunch, making this recipe both simple and satisfying.

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to your bread.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully, making it light and fluffy.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Adds a gentle lift and reacts with the yogurt’s acidity.
1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds: Adds delightful pops of crunch and nutty flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/2 cup butter, melted (or oil/coconut oil): Provides rich moisture and tender texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just right without overpowering.
1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds a creamy tang and keeps the crumb moist and tender.
3 large eggs, room temperature: Binds everything together and adds richness.
2 teaspoons lemon zest (about 1 large or 2 small lemons): The star ingredient for that fresh, zesty aroma and flavor.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out and deepens the flavor profile.
1 cup powdered sugar: For the finishing glaze that adds an irresistible sheen and sweetness.
3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Provides a bright, tart glaze to crown the loaf.

How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F, which ensures even baking. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and give it a light spray of cooking oil or butter. This step is key for easy removal and a flawless loaf shape.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, poppy seeds, and salt together. This dry mix sets the base for the perfect texture and flavor, ensuring every bite is consistent and speckled with those lovely poppy seeds.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, beat together the sugar, melted butter (or oil), Greek yogurt, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. This mixture brings moisture, tartness, and a delicate sweetness that makes the bread irresistible.

Step 4: Fold Dry into Wet

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, folding gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so take your time and mix carefully to preserve the light crumb texture of this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 55 minutes to one hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be enough to make you want to dive in right away!

Step 6: Cooling and Glazing

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice to create a tangy glaze and drizzle it over the top for an extra burst of citrusy sweetness.

How to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe

A rectangular lemon poppy seed loaf cake sits on crinkled brown parchment paper, showing a golden brown crust with specks of black poppy seeds throughout. The top is drizzled with white glaze in a random pattern, partly covering the cake and pooling on the paper. At the center of the loaf’s top is a thin round slice of lemon. Two slices of the cake lie next to the loaf, showing a moist, pale yellow crumb studded with poppy seeds. Nearby, there are a few scattered poppy seeds, some lemon wedges, and a white bowl with more lemons on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of extra poppy seeds can elevate the presentation beautifully. If you dare, try a tiny dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar for that café-worthy touch.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal companion for lazy weekend mornings or cozy afternoon breaks. You can also serve it alongside fresh berries or a smear of creamy ricotta for a balanced snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve the bread sliced thick and slightly toasted, then spread with honey butter or lemon curd. You can even transform it into mini bread puddings or use it as a fun base for dessert French toast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for up to 3 days, perfect for sharing or savoring over time.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy individual slices whenever a lemony craving hits, and the bread will keep its delightful flavor and texture up to 2 months.

Reheating

To bring your Lemon Poppy Seed Bread back to life, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. This rejuvenates the moistness and makes the glaze slightly melty — absolutely heavenly!

FAQs

Can I use oil instead of butter in this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute melted butter with your choice of oil, like vegetable or coconut oil. It won’t compromise the moistness, and the bread will still taste fantastic.

How can I make the bread more lemony?

For an extra lemon boost, add a bit more lemon zest or increase the lemon juice in the glaze. Just be careful not to add too much, as the balance of flavors is key to this recipe’s charm.

Is Greek yogurt necessary?

Greek yogurt keeps the bread tender and moist while adding a slight tang. You can substitute it with sour cream or buttermilk if you prefer, but avoid plain yogurt as it might make the bread a bit runny.

Can I turn this recipe into muffins?

Definitely! Just spoon the batter into a lined muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them for that perfect golden dome.

Why does the bread sometimes come out dense?

Overmixing the batter can develop too much gluten, leading to a dense loaf. Be sure to fold the dry ingredients gently and just until incorporated for a light, tender crumb.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the sunny charm of this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe to brighten up your day. With its perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and crunch, it’s a recipe to keep in your collection and turn to again and again. So grab your ingredients, fire up that oven, and enjoy the cozy comfort of homemade lemony bliss!