Ultimate Moist & Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Zesty Lemon Glaze
Indulge in the bright, refreshing flavor of this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread – a perfectly moist quick bread bursting with lemon zest and topped with a light, tangy lemon glaze. It’s the ideal companion for your morning coffee or a delightful treat any time of day.
Ah, lemons! These vibrant, sunny fruits truly shine during the winter citrus season and stretch beautifully into spring, bringing a burst of freshness that’s hard to resist. Yet, in many kitchens, including my own, they often remain an underrated gem. Every time I whip up something truly spectacular with lemons, like my famously tangy Lemon Bars or a creamy, no-bake delight such as this Lemon Cheesecake, I find myself thinking, “Why don’t I incorporate lemons into my cooking more often?” And then, life happens, and the thought slips away.
Lemons are incredibly versatile, performing wonderfully in both sweet and savory dishes. They can elevate a dessert to new heights or add a bright, acidic counterpoint to a savory meal. Think of my all-time favorite Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing, perfect for any salad, or the succulent Lemon Garlic Shrimp that’s a weeknight staple. Today, however, we’re leaning into the sweet side with a quick bread that’s so irresistibly good, it just might inspire you to make lemons a more regular feature in your culinary repertoire: this incredible Lemon Poppy Seed Bread.
Why This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Will Be Your New Favorite
If you’re looking for a quick, impressive, and utterly delicious treat, look no further. This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread recipe is designed for both ease and exceptional flavor. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Effortlessly Easy & Quick: Say goodbye to complicated baking steps! This recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. There’s no need for creaming butter and sugar, or meticulously mashing bananas to a perfect puree. All you really need is a mixing bowl, a spatula (or a whisk), and a handful of pantry staples. You can have the batter ready and in the oven in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a last-minute breakfast, brunch, or an unexpected craving.
- Perfectly Balanced Lemon Flavor: This isn’t just a hint of lemon; it’s a harmonious symphony of citrus. We achieve this vibrant, unmistakable lemon taste by using three distinct lemon components: fresh lemon juice for brightness, aromatic lemon zest for intense citrus oils, and a touch of lemon extract to really amplify and deepen that characteristic flavor. Despite this triple-lemon approach, rest assured, the flavor is perfectly balanced – bright and zesty without being overwhelming. Each bite will leave no doubt about the star ingredient, but in the most delightful way possible.
- Versatile & Not Overly Sweet: While this quick bread features a beautiful, glossy lemon glaze (which is entirely optional, by the way!), the bread itself is designed to be moderately sweet. This makes it incredibly versatile. It’s definitely more akin to a satisfying snack or a light breakfast item than a decadent dessert. Its subtle sweetness pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent start to your day or a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. If you prefer a richer, sweeter experience, feel free to add extra glaze or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Wonderfully Moist Texture: Thanks to the combination of oil and milk, this quick bread boasts an incredibly moist crumb that stays tender for days. The poppy seeds add a subtle textural contrast and a slight nutty note, complementing the bright lemon flavor beautifully.
Essential Ingredients for Your Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
This recipe relies on a few basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Using fresh, quality ingredients will always yield the best results for your homemade quick bread.
For the exact measurements and a full printable recipe card, be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post!
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bread, providing structure. Make sure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Baking Powder: Our primary leavening agent, giving the bread its wonderful lift and tender texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and brightness of the lemon.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a delightful, subtle crunch and a distinctive nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- Eggs: Act as a binder, adding richness and moisture to the loaf.
- Vegetable Oil: Contributes to the incredibly moist and tender crumb of the bread. You can also use another neutral-flavored oil like canola or grapeseed.
- Milk (any kind): Adds moisture and richness. Whole milk works wonderfully, but 2% or even non-dairy milk can be used.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Crucial for that bright, tangy lemon flavor in the bread and the glaze. Freshly squeezed is always best!
- Lemon Zest: Packed with aromatic oils, lemon zest provides an intense burst of lemon fragrance and flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Lemon Extract: Amplifies the lemon flavor, ensuring it truly stands out. A little goes a long way.
- Powdered Sugar: The base for our smooth and delicious lemon glaze.
Tip for Lemons: When selecting lemons, choose ones that are firm, heavy for their size, and have smooth, brightly colored skin. These usually yield the most juice and zest.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
Making this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful outcome:
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly from the moment it enters the oven. Next, lightly grease a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan. For easy removal and cleanup, I often like to line my loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides to act as “handles.”
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and poppy seeds are evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to a consistent rise and texture in your finished bread.
- Mix Wet Ingredients Thoroughly: In a separate, larger bowl, vigorously whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon extract, and lemon zest. Whisk until all these ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sugar has largely dissolved. This step is crucial for incorporating all that wonderful lemon flavor evenly into the batter.
- Gently Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, mix until everything is *just* combined. This is a critical step for quick breads: be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in a tough, dense bread instead of the tender, moist texture we’re aiming for. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased (or parchment-lined) loaf pan. Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 to 55 minutes. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. The bread is ready when a wooden skewer, knife, or toothpick inserted into the center comes out *mostly* clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.
- Cooling Process: Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the bread to set and firm up before you attempt to remove it. After this initial cooling, carefully lift the bread out of the pan (using those parchment paper handles, if applicable) and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely before glazing is essential to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
- Prepare and Apply the Zesty Glaze: While the bread is cooling, prepare your lemon glaze. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with the fresh lemon juice. Whisk them together until you achieve a smooth, pourable, and drizzle-able consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more lemon juice (a quarter teaspoon at a time). If it’s too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Once your Lemon Poppy Seed Bread has completely cooled, generously drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The glaze adds an extra layer of lemon tang and sweetness that truly completes this delightful quick bread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
Absolutely! The poppy seeds primarily add a delightful textural element and a subtle nutty undertone, but they don’t significantly impact the fundamental structure or moisture of the bread. If you omit them, you’ll simply have a wonderful, moist lemon quick bread, which will still be incredibly delicious. If you’d like to add another ingredient in their place for texture, you could try a tablespoon or two of finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, or even a different type of seed like sesame seeds, though this will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Yes, this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying a slice whenever a craving strikes! You have a couple of excellent freezing options:
- Freezing a Whole Loaf: Bake the loaf as directed, then allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place it in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the wrapped loaf at room temperature for several hours or overnight. Ideally, apply the fresh lemon glaze after thawing, as the glaze can release some moisture and become slightly less pristine when thawed from frozen. However, if you prefer to freeze it with the glaze, it will still taste great, though the glaze’s appearance might be a little less smooth.
- Freezing Individual Slices: For ultimate convenience, freeze the bread in individual slices. First, bake the bread, allow it to cool, and apply the glaze. Then, slice the bread. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen, transfer the slices to an airtight freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. This way, you can grab just one slice at a time. Thaw individual slices at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or gently warm in the microwave for 15-30 seconds.
The shelf life of your Lemon Poppy Seed Bread depends on how it’s stored:
- At Room Temperature: If stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped at room temperature, it will stay fresh and moist for about 5-7 days.
- In the Refrigerator: For a slightly longer shelf life, store the bread tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. It will last for about 7-10 days. Bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Frozen: As mentioned above, properly frozen Lemon Poppy Seed Bread can last for 3-4 months.
Regardless of storage method, always ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out and losing its wonderful moisture.
Of course! The lemon glaze adds a lovely extra layer of sweetness and a tangy punch, but the Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is absolutely delicious on its own, unglazed. If you prefer a less sweet option, are watching your sugar intake, or simply don’t have the ingredients for the glaze, feel free to omit it. The bread’s inherent lemon flavor is robust enough to shine without it. You could also dust it lightly with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delightful Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
This versatile quick bread isn’t just for one occasion! Its balanced sweetness and bright lemon flavor make it suitable for a variety of serving options:
- With Coffee or Tea: As mentioned, it’s a stellar companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon tea. The subtle sweetness and citrus notes complement hot beverages beautifully.
- For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve slices of Lemon Poppy Seed Bread as part of a quick breakfast spread. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, such as a vibrant Berry Fruit Salad, or alongside a refreshing drink like a homemade Orange Julius.
- As a Light Dessert: While not overly sweet, a slice of this bread can make a light and satisfying dessert, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries.
- Warm or Room Temperature: Personally, I enjoy this bread served just slightly warm. A quick 15-20 second zap in the microwave for a single slice enhances its aroma and tenderness, making it feel freshly baked. However, it’s equally delicious at room temperature. The choice is yours!
- Variations: For an extra touch, consider toasting a slice lightly and spreading a thin layer of cream cheese or lemon curd on top. You can also garnish the glazed bread with a few extra poppy seeds or a sprinkle of lemon zest for visual appeal.
Explore More Delicious Quick Bread Recipes
Quick breads are a fantastic way to enjoy homemade baked goods with minimal effort. They are endlessly customizable and perfect for any occasion. If you loved this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread, you’ll surely enjoy these other comforting and flavorful quick bread creations:
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Strawberry Bread
- Classic Pumpkin Bread
- Apple Pie Bread with Chocolate Chip Streusel
- Blueberry Banana Bread
- Tropical Coconut Lime Quick Bread
- Chocolate Oatmeal Banana Bread
- Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread
Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
For the Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 whole large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk, any kind
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Zesty Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350° F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
-
In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds until well combined. Set aside.
-
In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, lemon extract, and lemon zest. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
-
Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will lead to a more tender bread.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for approximately 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.
-
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
-
Once the bread is fully cooled, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth and of a drizzle-able consistency. If needed, add more powdered sugar for thickness or a few drops more lemon juice for a thinner glaze.
-
Generously pour the fresh lemon glaze over the cooled bread. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving this delightful Lemon Poppy Seed Bread. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Estimated)
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Additional Recipe Info
Love this recipe? Share your thoughts below!
Join Our Community & Stay Connected!
I’ve cultivated a vibrant and fun group on Facebook, and I’d be absolutely delighted for you to join us! It’s a fantastic space where you can share your own favorite recipes, ask questions, get inspiration, and stay completely up-to-date with all the latest happenings at Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts. Never miss a new recipe or a friendly chat!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag your delicious creations with #dinnersdishes so I can admire all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make! Your culinary adventures inspire me.
To ensure you never miss out on any of my posts or exciting new recipes, be sure to follow me across my social media channels:
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram