Lemon poppy seed loaf is such a refreshing, light, and delicious treat! It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe for it:
Ingredients:
For the loaf:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup plain yogurt (or sour cream for extra richness)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk (you can use whole milk or buttermilk for a tangy twist)
For the glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the yogurt to the wet mixture. Start with about 1/3 of the dry ingredients, mix it in, then add half the yogurt. Continue alternating until everything is fully incorporated. Finally, add the milk and stir until smooth.
6. Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
7. Let It Cool:
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Glaze (Optional):
While the loaf is cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf for a sweet, citrusy finish.
Enjoy!
Once the glaze sets, slice it up and enjoy the bright, tangy flavors of this lemon poppy seed loaf. It’s wonderfully soft and moist on the inside, with that signature crunch from the poppy seeds.
Would you prefer a more lemony glaze or want to add a twist like a bit of almond extract in the batter?
