Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

$Lemon poppy seed bread shines with fresh, bright flavors. Here’s what you need: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ¼ teaspoon salt - ¾ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - ½ cup plain Greek yogurt - ⅓ cup vegetable oil - Zest of 2 lemons - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons poppy seeds Each ingredient plays a key role. The flour gives structure. Baking powder and baking soda help it rise. Salt balances the sweet taste. Sugar adds sweetness and moisture. Eggs bind everything together. Greek yogurt keeps it moist and adds a nice tang. Vegetable oil ensures the bread stays soft. Lemon zest and juice provide that zesty flavor we love. Finally, poppy seeds add a delightful crunch. Gather these ingredients to create your own lemon poppy seed bread. You’ll enjoy the process and the tasty result! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking. Next, prepare your loaf pan. You can grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper. This helps the bread come out easily. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they mix well. This step is key for a fluffy bread. Set this bowl aside once done. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Use a fork or whisk to mix them until fragrant. Then, add the eggs. Whisk them until the mixture turns pale and frothy. Next, stir in the Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and lemon juice. Mix until it is smooth and well combined. Now, it’s time to bring both mixtures together. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix just until no dry flour remains. Be careful not to overmix! Finally, gently fold in the poppy seeds. They add a nice crunch. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for a nice finish. To get the best texture in your lemon poppy seed bread, avoid overmixing. When you mix too much, the bread can become dense and tough. Mix just until you don’t see any dry flour. This helps keep it light and fluffy. Also, let your ingredients come to room temperature before mixing. Eggs and yogurt mix better when they are not cold. This simple step makes a big difference in the final outcome. You can boost the flavor even more by adding extra lemon zest. Consider using zest from three lemons instead of two for a stronger lemon taste. You could also mix in some vanilla or almond extract for a unique twist. A pinch of cinnamon can add warmth and depth, too. To test if your bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If it has batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Baking times can vary based on your oven. If your oven runs hot, check the bread a bit early. For a cooler oven, it may need a few extra minutes. Always keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The oils in the zest provide a vibrant citrus aroma that enhances the bread's taste. Don't Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix just until no dry flour remains. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture rather than a light and fluffy loaf. Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is done. Storage Tips: To keep your lemon poppy seed bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your lemon poppy seed bread. Adding fresh blueberries or raspberries gives it a fruity twist. Use about 1 cup of berries. Gently fold them into the batter just before baking. Another fun option is using almond extract. Swap out a teaspoon of vanilla for almond. This will add a nutty flavor that pairs well with lemon. Try it next time for a new experience! If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free flour. Look for a blend that works well for baking. Measure the same amount as all-purpose flour. You might need to add more liquid, so keep an eye on the batter. Also, let the batter sit for a few minutes. This helps the gluten-free flour absorb moisture. Your bread will still turn out soft and tasty! To make this recipe vegan, you can replace the eggs and yogurt. Use flax eggs instead. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. For the yogurt, try unsweetened plant-based yogurt. This keeps the texture smooth. Your lemon poppy seed bread will still be moist and full of flavor! After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This helps set the texture. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is key. It prevents soggy bread and keeps it fresh longer. To keep lemon poppy seed bread fresh, wrap it tightly. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and air out. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it lasts longer, refrigerate it to prevent spoilage. To freeze, wrap the bread well in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. This helps keep the bread tasty for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw at room temperature. You can also warm it in the oven for a few minutes. Enjoy that fresh taste again! No, you cannot directly swap lemon juice for zest. Lemon zest has oils that add flavor. It gives a fresh taste you can’t get from juice alone. Zest comes from the outer layer of the lemon peel. Juice is sour and watery, which changes the bread's texture. Use both for the best taste. Your bread is done when a toothpick comes out clean. Insert it in the center of the loaf. If it has wet batter, bake it a bit longer. The top should be golden brown, and the edges may pull away from the pan. This shows it's baked through. This bread pairs well with many things. Try butter for richness or cream cheese for a smooth spread. Add fresh fruit like berries for a bright touch. A cup of tea or coffee also matches nicely. You can enjoy it at breakfast or as a snack. When stored correctly, it lasts about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread in plastic wrap, then foil. This way, it lasts for about 3 months in the freezer. This blog post gave you all you need to make lemon poppy seed bread. You learned the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Tips for texture and flavor made the process easier. You also explored fun variations and storage tips to keep your bread fresh. With these ideas, you can bake with confidence. I hope you enjoy making this tasty treat!$

Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

A delightful and refreshing bread with lemon zest and poppy seeds.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 5

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.75 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
0.33 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons zest of lemons
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest using a fork or whisk until the mixture is fragrant and well-combined.
Add the eggs to the sugar mixture and whisk until pale and frothy.
Stir in the Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and lemon juice until smooth and homogeneous.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until no dry flour remains. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the poppy seeds until uniformly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, do not overmix the batter.

Keyword bread, lemon, poppy seed