This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is moist, tangy, and packed with the refreshing flavor of lemon. The combination of poppy seeds, lemon zest, and a sweet lemon drizzle makes for a delightful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert. The bread is easy to make and comes out soft and tender every time, with a zingy glaze that adds a perfect finishing touch.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
For the Lemon Drizzle:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg until well combined. Add the milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon extract, and whisk to combine.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before adding the lemon drizzle.
- Prepare the lemon drizzle: In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, and lemon juice. Stir until you reach the desired drizzling consistency, adding more lemon juice if needed.
- Add the drizzle: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf and allow it to set before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a sweet breakfast loaf with coffee or tea.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for an extra treat.
- Pair with fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries for added freshness.
- Serve with a cup of hot herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Warm a slice in the microwave and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert option.
Cooking Tips:
- Do not overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of tender and light.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature milk, egg, and sour cream help create a smooth batter and even texture.
- Check for doneness: Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Lemon variation: Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Zest the lemons before juicing them.
- Make ahead: The bread can be baked a day in advance and drizzled with the lemon glaze before serving.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in vitamin C from the lemon juice and zest, which helps boost immunity.
- Calcium from dairy ingredients like milk and sour cream helps maintain bone health.
- Source of protein from eggs, which helps with muscle growth and repair.
- Healthy fats from vegetable oil contribute to satiety.
- Poppy seeds add a slight crunch and provide dietary fiber and minerals.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
- Can be made dairy-free by using dairy-free milk and sour cream alternatives.
- Make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing the sugar in both the bread and drizzle if desired.
- No nuts make it suitable for nut allergies.
Nutritional Facts (per slice):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
Storage:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Moist and tender: The sour cream makes this bread super moist with a soft crumb.
- Bursting with lemon flavor: Both lemon zest and juice give it a bright, fresh taste.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the flavors by using different citrus fruits or adding extra mix-ins.
Conclusion:
This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Lemon Drizzle is a delightful treat that’s sure to brighten up your day with its vibrant citrus flavor and tender texture. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, it’s an easy and versatile recipe that the whole family will love. Make a loaf today and enjoy a slice of sunshine with every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this bread without poppy seeds?
Yes, you can omit the poppy seeds or substitute them with black sesame seeds for a similar texture. - How do I store leftover bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. - Can I use a different type of citrus?
Absolutely! You can use lime or orange zest and juice for a different flavor. - Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, you can use low-fat sour cream, but the texture may be slightly less rich. - What can I use instead of lemon extract?
If you don’t have lemon extract, just add a little extra lemon zest or juice for a more natural lemon flavor.