Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

$- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons poppy seeds - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ¼ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - ½ cup plain Greek yogurt - ¼ cup fresh lemon juice These ingredients make the bread light and full of flavor. The all-purpose flour gives the bread a nice structure. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while poppy seeds give crunch and a unique taste. Baking powder and baking soda help it rise, making the bread fluffy. Salt balances the sweetness, and softened butter adds moisture. Eggs bring richness, and lemon zest and juice add that bright, zesty flavor we all love. Greek yogurt keeps the bread moist and adds a slight tang. - Glaze options (e.g., lemon icing) - Garnish suggestions (e.g., lemon slices, extra poppy seeds) You can make it even better with a glaze. A simple lemon icing on top adds sweetness and shine. Garnishing with lemon slices or extra poppy seeds makes it pretty and tasty. These little touches can make your Lemon Poppy Seed Bread look like a bakery treat. For the complete details, check out the Full Recipe. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, you need to prepare your loaf pan. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the bread later. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons poppy seeds - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ¼ teaspoon salt Whisk these together until well mixed. This blend adds flavor and helps the bread rise. In another bowl, cream together: - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs Mix these until light and fluffy. Then, add in: - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - ½ cup plain Greek yogurt - ¼ cup fresh lemon juice Stir until everything is well blended. The lemon zest and juice really brighten the flavor. Now, gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, and we want it light and fluffy. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. To check if it's done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. Enjoy the aroma as it bakes! For the complete recipe, you can check the Full Recipe. To get the best texture in your lemon poppy seed bread, avoid dryness. Use room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense loaf. Also, measure flour correctly. Too much flour can make the bread dry. To ensure accuracy, spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Mixing the batter too much can ruin your bread. Stir just until you see no dry flour. Small lumps are perfectly fine. Also, check your oven's temperature. An oven that’s too hot can burn the bread outside while leaving it raw inside. Use an oven thermometer to be sure. For a clean cut, use a serrated knife. Slice the bread after it cools completely. This helps keep the bread from squishing. Serve your slices on a bright platter, adding lemon slices and a sprinkle of poppy seeds for flair. Lemon poppy seed bread pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee, making it a delightful treat for any time of day. For the full experience, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can boost the taste of lemon poppy seed bread in fun ways. Adding zests from lime or orange brings a fresh twist. These bright flavors mix well with the lemon, adding depth. You can also fold in berries like blueberries or raspberries. They add color and a sweet pop to each bite. Nuts like almonds or walnuts give a nice crunch too. Just be sure to chop them small for even mixing. If you want a lighter loaf, try swapping Greek yogurt for applesauce. This change keeps moisture while cutting calories. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. It adds fiber and a heartier taste. Just remember that whole wheat flour can make the bread a bit denser. For a gluten-free version, look for flour blends that include rice or almond flour. These blends often mimic the texture of regular flour. You may need to add a bit of xanthan gum to help the bread rise well. Adjust the liquid in the recipe as needed, since gluten-free flours can absorb more. Enjoy the same deliciousness without the gluten! For all these variations, you can use the Full Recipe as your base and let your creativity shine. Lemon poppy seed bread is best stored at room temperature for short periods. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it fresh and moist. Place it in a cool, dry spot. It can stay good for about 2-3 days. If you notice any mold, discard it right away. If you want to keep the bread fresh longer, refrigerate it. Slice the bread first for easier storage. Use an airtight container or wrap it well. This method can extend its life to about a week. The cool air helps prevent spoilage. However, the bread may dry out a bit. You can warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds to refresh them. Freezing is a great way to store lemon poppy seed bread. First, let it cool completely. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove excess air. This keeps the bread tasty for up to three months. To thaw, simply take out a slice and leave it at room temperature for about an hour. You can also use the microwave. Just warm it for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy your bread anytime with these simple storage tips! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Lemon Poppy Seed Bread lasts about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you place it in the fridge, it can last up to 1 week. Always check for mold or an off smell before eating. Yes, you can use different flours! If you want a gluten-free version, try a gluten-free flour blend. Whole wheat flour can also work, but it may change the texture. You can even use almond flour for a nutty flavor. Each flour choice will give a unique taste and look! Lemon Poppy Seed Bread pairs well with many drinks and spreads. You can serve it with a cup of tea or coffee. Cream cheese or lemon curd spreads add a nice touch. Fresh fruit, like berries, also complements its zesty flavor. Yes, you can make this bread without eggs! Use flaxseed meal or chia seeds as a substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes. Applesauce or mashed bananas also work well as egg replacements. Lemon poppy seed bread is simple to make and delicious. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and thoughtful tips. Remember to mix well but avoid overmixing. Feel free to get creative with flavors and garnishes. Store your bread properly to keep it fresh. Enjoy it with drinks or as a snack. With practice, you'll master this recipe and impress everyone. Now, it's time to bake!$

Indulge in the refreshing taste of Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Delight with this easy loaf recipe! Perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack, this delightful bread blends zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds for a burst of flavor. Follow our simple instructions to create the ultimate treat that everyone will love. Ready to whisk up some deliciousness? Click through to explore the full recipe and brighten your baking routine!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well mixed and set aside.

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the lemon zest and Greek yogurt, followed by the fresh lemon juice. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 8-10 slices

- Presentation Tips: Slice the bread and serve it on a decorative platter, garnished with thin lemon slices and a sprinkle of additional poppy seeds for a visually appealing touch. Enjoy the zesty flavor with a cup of tea or coffee!