Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf (Printable)

Lemon loaf with poppy seeds, moist texture, baked in one bowl for easy clean-up.

# What You'll Need:

→ Batter

01 - 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
04 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/2 cup whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
10 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
11 - 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Glaze

13 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
14 - 2-3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - Combine flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - Whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and fold gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
05 - Spread batter evenly in the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface.
06 - Bake on the center rack for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
07 - Allow loaf to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled loaf before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses simple everyday ingredients for a quick batter
  • No mixer or fancy steps only one bowl needed
  • Tender texture with a tangy lemon glaze
  • Beautiful for brunches lunches or simple snacking
02 -
  • This loaf gets extra moisture from yogurt or sour cream
  • Poppy seeds do not need to be soaked first
  • The glaze sets up nicely for easy slicing and a snappy top layer
  • Fresh lemon zest is the secret to that bakery shop flavor
03 -
  • Rub the lemon zest directly into the sugar with your fingertips before adding other ingredients. This brings out the natural oils and creates a stronger lemon aroma in your final loaf.
  • Do not overmix after adding flour to keep the loaf tender and light.
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