Description
Lemon poppy seed bread is a bright, moist, and tender quick bread bursting with fresh lemon flavor and featuring a delicate crunch from poppy seeds. This classic American favorite is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert, and it stays soft and flavorful for days.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seeds.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, milk, vegetable oil or melted butter, eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender crumb.
- Transfer batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool the bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an extra boost of lemon flavor, drizzle the cooled bread with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Always use fresh lemon juice and zest to achieve the brightest, freshest flavor.
- If the bread’s top is browning too quickly during baking, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Store the bread at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to keep it fresh longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
