What is sunshine in bread form? My grandma used to make a similar bread, but it was always very dense. I remember her making it every day. I’ve spent years tweaking and perfecting this recipe to get that perfect crumb, that delightful flavor. What is that satisfying poppy seed crunch? Is it a cross between pound cake and coffee cake? I think it rivals even the best banana bread out there. What are some good recipes for lemon poppy seed bread?

What is lemon poppy seed bread?

Okay, so what *is* **lemon poppy seed bread** exactly? Well, it’s essentially a sweet loaf, flavored prominently with lemon zest and juice, and studded with tiny, flavorful poppy seeds. It’s a quick bread, which means it’s leavened with baking powder and baking soda rather than yeast, making it super easy and relatively quick to throw together. Think of it as a citrusy, slightly nutty, sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. It’s not too heavy, not too sweet, and that bright lemon flavor just wakes up your taste buds. It’s a total crowd-pleaser!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Honestly, there are SO many reasons to fall in love with this **lemon poppy seed bread**. First, the flavor. That bright, tangy lemon flavor is just incredible, and the poppy seeds add a delightful little crunch and subtle nutty flavor that complements the lemon perfectly. What I love most about this is how surprisingly easy it is to make. Seriously, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can totally nail this recipe. It’s also pretty cost-effective. The ingredients are mostly pantry staples, and a little lemon goes a long way. It’s great for budget-friendly baking!

And the versatility! You can serve it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, bring it to a brunch gathering, or even enjoy it as a light dessert after dinner. It’s also amazing toasted with a little butter. Or even better a lemon curd to kick up the lemon taste. I even tested a version with a blueberry swirl last summer – divine! Compared to other quick breads, like zucchini bread, this one feels so much brighter and more uplifting. Plus, my kids actually prefer it to banana bread (don’t tell my banana Bread Recipe that!). It’s a winner all around.

How do I make lemon poppy seed bread?

Quick Overview

Making this **lemon poppy seed bread** is seriously a breeze. You basically whisk together your dry ingredients, mix your wet ingredients, combine them, swirl in a little extra something special, bake, and then drizzle with a tangy lemon glaze. The whole process takes about an hour and a half, start to finish, and most of that time is hands-off while the bread is baking. It really is foolproof. This method gives the best results, I promise!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for the best flavor.
* 1 teaspoon baking powder: Make sure it’s fresh!
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This gives it that perfect rise.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
* 1 cup granulated sugar: You can use organic cane sugar for a slightly different flavor.
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s *softened*, not melted!
* 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better.
* 1/2 cup sour cream: This adds moisture and tang. Don’t skimp!
* 1/4 cup milk: Whole milk or 2% works best.
* 2 tablespoons lemon zest: Zest the lemons *before* juicing them!
* 1/4 cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is a must!
* 2 tablespoons poppy seeds: Blue poppy seeds are the most common.

For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: Sift it for a smoother glaze. * 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice: Add more or less to reach desired consistency.

How do I follow

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Is it possible to line a dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, for easy removal? Why does this prevent sticking, especially on older pans?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. What is the difference between baking powder and baking soda? a consistent rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Is it possible to make a dough in an electric mixer for 3 minutes? When butter and sugar are combined, they create a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, Milk, Lemon Zest and Juice. Step 5: Remove from heat.

How do you beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Make sure everything is well combined. The acid in lemon juice reacts with baking soda to give the bread a lovely lift.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do you not overmix? Overmixing creates gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough bread. I always stop mixing when I still see streaks of flour and then fold them in with a spatula.

Step 6: Stir in Poppy Seeds

Gently stir in the poppy seeds until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. How do you make a poppy seed bread?

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes. Ovens vary, so it’s better to err on the side of caution. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with foil.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle it with the glaze.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Slice the **lemon poppy seed bread** and serve. Is it good on its own, but with a dollop of Whipped Cream?

What to Serve It With

This **lemon poppy seed bread** is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many things!

For Breakfast:Serve it with a cup of hot coffee or tea. It’s also delicious alongside sliced fruit.

For Brunch:Add it to a brunch buffet alongside other pastries, quiches, and salads. What is the best way to serve fresh berries and mint on a platter?

As Dessert:Serve it as a light dessert after dinner. What is better than a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream?

For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice with a warm glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly evening.

What is a good after school snack?

How do you make a lemon poppy seed bread?

Okay, so I’ve made this **lemon poppy seed bread** *a lot*, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for perfecting your loaf:

Ingredient Temperatures: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more easily and creates a smoother batter.

Don’t Overmix:Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough bread. What streaks of flour are left over from mixing?

Zest Wisely:When zesting lemons, be sure to only zest the yellow part of the peel. The white pith underneath is bitter and will ruin the flavor of bread.

Baking Time:How long does it take for bread to bake? When bread is baked, a wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.

Glaze Consistency:How much lemon juice should be added to a glaze? For a thicker glaze, use less lemon juice.

What is the best poppy seed recipeTo really amp up the flavor of the poppy seeds, toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat. What do you add to the batter? Keep a close eye on them, they burn easily!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

This **lemon poppy seed bread** stores well, making it perfect for making ahead of time.

Room Temperature: Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will keep it moist and fresh.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, store the bread in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Just be aware that the bread may dry out slightly in the fridge.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it thaw completely at room temperature before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to store the bread for more than a day, it’s best to glaze it right before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This **lemon poppy seed bread** is truly one of my all-time favorite recipes. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. That bright lemon flavor, the satisfying poppy seed crunch, and the perfect crumb…it’s just perfection! If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my lemon loaf cake or my poppy seed muffins. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know if you make any fun variations!