Bright, zesty, and irresistibly tender, this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe brings together the fresh zing of lemon with the delightful crunch of poppy seeds for a quick bread that feels both classic and vibrant. Whether you’re looking for a sunshine-filled start to your morning or a sweet touch to your afternoon tea, this bread delivers moistness and flavor that lasts for days. It’s simple to make but endlessly satisfying, making it a favorite to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a neat arrangement of baking ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a white bowl filled with thick white yogurt, and above it to the right, a larger white bowl holds light brown flour with a coarse texture. To the left of the flour bowl, two brown eggs rest side by side near a halved lemon showing its bright yellow inside. Below the eggs, a small white bowl with a light blue inside contains melted butter with a smooth shiny surface. Near the yogurt bowl’s bottom right is a white bowl filled with light brown sugar crystals. A small white bowl with dark black seeds is placed below the sugar, and next to it, a small dark blue dish holds white and light pink powders, likely salt and baking soda. A tiny white cup with dark amber vanilla extract sits near the melted butter. At the bottom of the image, two whole bright yellow lemons lie side by side. A white and yellow patterned cloth is partially folded on the right edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe plays an important role. From the bright lemon zest that wakes up your senses to the poppy seeds that add just the right amount of crunch, these simple staples come together to create a loaf that’s bursting with flavor and perfect texture.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your bread, providing structure and softness.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise and stay light.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for that perfect crumb.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.
1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and nutty texture throughout.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just enough without overpowering the lemon.
½ cup milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter: Vital for richness and a soft crumb.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Provides refreshing citrus brightness.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Concentrated lemon flavor that truly wakes up your taste buds.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the lemon notes.

How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan ensures your bread won’t stick and allows the crust to brown evenly. This initial step sets you up for a perfectly baked loaf with golden edges.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the raising agents and seeds evenly throughout your bread, so every slice has that signature poppy seed crunch and lifts beautifully during baking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and beat together the sugar, milk, oil (or melted butter), eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and shiny. This blend of wet ingredients imparts moisture, richness, and that bright lemon flavor essential to this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour your flour mixture into the wet ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula or spoon. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overworking the batter can make the bread tough instead of tender and fluffy, so treat it softly and lovingly.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Transfer the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bread during the last 10 minutes — if the top begins to brown too fast, tent a piece of foil over it to protect it from over-browning.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it and place on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important for slicing perfect pieces that hold their shape without crumbling.

How to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe

A rectangular loaf of lemon poppy seed cake is placed on crumpled brown paper over a white marbled surface. The cake has three visible layers: the top golden-brown crust, a drizzle of white icing with poppy seeds scattered on top, and a pale yellow inside filled with tiny black poppy seeds. The top layer is decorated with a thin round slice of lemon in the center. Two slices are cut from the front, showing the moist texture inside. There are also two lemon slices blurred in the background near a white bowl with a yellow lemon inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of tangy lemon glaze really takes this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe to the next level. Fresh lemon slices or a few poppy seeds sprinkled on top add extra visual appeal and hint at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a smear of cream cheese, or a thick layer of homemade lemon curd. For brunch, enjoy it alongside fresh berries or a tangy yogurt parfait to highlight those citrusy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, cut the bread into thick slices and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a light dessert. You can also toast slices and top with ricotta and honey for a savory-sweet snack that’s simply irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover lemon poppy seed bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps retain its moist, tender texture without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this bread freezes wonderfully. Slice first for easy thawing, then wrap each slice or the whole loaf securely in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the bread like freshly baked, let frozen slices thaw at room temperature or gently toast them. You can also warm slices in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for about 10 minutes. This brings back the perfect softness and boosts the lovely lemon aroma.

FAQs

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice and zest?

While lemon extract can boost lemon flavor, fresh lemon juice and zest provide a brighter, more natural taste and texture in your bread. For the best results in this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe, fresh is definitely preferred.

What can I substitute for vegetable oil in this recipe?

You can substitute melted butter for vegetable oil, which will add a richer flavor to the bread. Just make sure it’s cooled before mixing with the other ingredients to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.

How do I prevent the bread from becoming dry?

Be sure not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking by testing the bread with a toothpick toward the end of baking. Properly stored, this bread stays moist for days thanks to its oil content.

Can I double the recipe for two loaves?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in two separate loaf pans to ensure even cooking. Bake each loaf separately or rotate them halfway through if your oven fits both at once.

Is this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe suitable for freezing and thawing?

Yes, this bread freezes very well and retains its texture and flavor after thawing. Slice before freezing for convenience and enjoy anytime with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe is one of those simple yet extraordinary bakes that becomes a favorite as soon as you try it. Bright, moist, and packed with refreshing lemon flavor balanced by poppy seed crunch, it’s perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or as a make-ahead treat, I can’t recommend baking this at least once enough. Go ahead, grab those lemons, and fill your kitchen with the sunny scent of homemade goodness!