Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

$- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ¼ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon) - ¼ cup fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons poppy seeds - ½ cup plain Greek yogurt - Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting When I bake lemon poppy seed bread, I focus on fresh, quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in flavor and texture. The flour gives structure. Baking powder and baking soda help the bread rise. Salt enhances the flavors and balances sweetness. I like using unsalted butter for a rich taste. It adds moisture and creaminess. Granulated sugar sweetens the bread and helps it brown nicely. Eggs act as a binder, so I choose large ones for best results. Lemon zest adds bright flavor, while fresh lemon juice brings a tangy twist. Vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile. Poppy seeds provide a nutty crunch and a lovely look. Lastly, Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang. These ingredients blend perfectly for a moist, flavorful loaf. For the full recipe, check out the instructions. - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease and flour the loaf pan. - In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with sugar until fluffy. - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in lemon zest, juice, and vanilla. - Alternate adding the dry mix with Greek yogurt. Start and end with flour. Stir until just combined. - Gently fold in the poppy seeds until evenly mixed. - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. - Bake for 50-60 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Follow these steps closely for a perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Bread every time! For the detailed recipe, check out the Full Recipe link. - Use room temperature ingredients. This helps the batter mix well. - Do not over-mix the batter. This keeps the bread light and fluffy. - Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor. Always choose fresh over bottled. - Try different citrus zests for a twist. Orange zest can add a nice touch. - Swap yogurt for sour cream if you want a creamier texture. - Serve the bread warm with a pat of butter. This makes it even more tasty. - Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s a perfect match. You can find the Full Recipe for Lemon Poppy Seed Bread in the previous sections. {{image_2}} Lemon poppy seed bread is great on its own, but you can change it up! One fun option is to make almond lemon poppy seed bread. Just add a little almond extract for a nutty twist. The flavor pairs well with lemon's bright notes. Another tasty variation is blueberry lemon poppy seed bread. Mix in fresh blueberries for added sweetness. You can fold them in gently to keep them whole. This adds a pop of color and flavor to each bite. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum to help with texture. This way, everyone can enjoy this lovely bread. For a vegan version, swap the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. Use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter. These changes keep the bread moist and delicious without animal products. You can add spices to your lemon poppy seed bread for the holidays. Try cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, cozy flavor. These spices give it a festive touch that's perfect for gatherings. In the summer, consider adding berries like strawberries or raspberries. They add a fresh, fruity taste that brightens the bread. This makes it a perfect treat for warm days. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Delight. To keep your lemon poppy seed bread fresh, store it in a cool, dry place. Wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. At room temperature, it can last for about 2 to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, consider refrigerating it. In the fridge, it stays fresh for about a week. Just remember, the cold can change the texture slightly. If you want to freeze the bread, let it cool completely first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps avoid freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the bread in the fridge overnight. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the bread for about 10-15 minutes. This brings back its fresh-baked taste. At room temperature, expect your lemon poppy seed bread to stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. If refrigerated, it can last up to a week. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage. Look for any mold or an off smell. If the bread feels dry or hard, it may not taste good anymore. Enjoy your lemon poppy seed bread while it's fresh for the best flavor! Lemon poppy seed bread can last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze it for about 3 months. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil. You can use milk, but it will change the bread's texture. Greek yogurt adds moisture and richness. Milk may make the bread a bit less dense and softer. If you use milk, try to add a little more lemon juice to keep the flavor strong. If you want to skip eggs, there are great options. You can use a flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. You can also use applesauce or mashed banana. Just use 1/4 cup of either for each egg. Several things can cause this. First, check your baking powder and baking soda; they need to be fresh. Also, make sure you mix the batter well but don’t overdo it. Too much mixing can make the bread dense. Lastly, the oven must be preheated. If it’s not hot enough, the bread won't rise. Yes, you can make mini loaves! Use smaller loaf pans to bake. Adjust the baking time to about 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on them. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. When it comes out clean, your mini loaves are ready. Enjoy the fun sizes! You learned how to make Lemon Poppy Seed Bread from start to finish. We covered essential ingredients, recommended tools, and step-by-step baking instructions. Plus, tips for perfecting your bread and fun variations. Remember, using fresh ingredients and avoiding over-mixing will help your bread rise well. This simple recipe is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your baking and share this delightful treat with loved ones!$

Indulge in the sunshine-filled flavors of Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Delight! This easy recipe combines zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds for a deliciously moist loaf that everyone will love. Perfect for brunch or as a sweet treat any time of day, it's a delightful bake that will brighten your kitchen. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to explore the full recipe and bake your own slice of happiness!

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

½ cup plain Greek yogurt

Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Gradually add in the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with Greek yogurt. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Stir until just combined.

Finally, gently fold in the poppy seeds until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing 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, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving, if desired.

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

- Presentation Tips: Serve each slice on a decorative plate with a slice of lemon on the side for an added splash of color.