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If you’re a fan of vibrant citrus flavors and love a sweet treat that doubles as breakfast or dessert, this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is for you! Packed with the tangy zing of fresh lemons and a delightful crunch from poppy seeds, it’s a true classic. Made with simple ingredients and ready in no time, this recipe is perfect for any occasion and will make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing!

This lemon poppy seed bread recipe smells and tastes amazing! It’s so full of fresh lemon flavor, with the poppy seeds throughout!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Bursting with Fresh Lemon Flavor: Every bite is infused with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon zest and juice, making it irresistibly tangy and refreshing.
Perfectly Balanced Texture: The soft, moist bread contrasts beautifully with the slight crunch of poppy seeds for a delightful mouthfeel.
Simple and Easy to Make: With just one bowl and no special equipment required, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Versatile Treat: Whether served as a breakfast bread, midday snack, or light dessert, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any time of day.
Customizable Options: Enjoy it plain or add a glaze for extra sweetness; you can even make it as a gift wrapped in ribbon for loved ones!

This is the only lemon poppy seed bread recipe you’ll ever need! Unlike some poppy seed baked goods where the poppy seeds are only sprinkled on the top, this epic lemon bread doesn’t skimp on poppy seeds! It uses the whole two tablespoons of poppy seeds, so they are dispersed throughout!

I bought myself a giant 12 ounce bottle of poppy seeds at the ethnic supermarket, so I can make this bread, as well as the poppy seed lemon muffins, as often as I want! Those puny little jars of poppy seeds sold at regular supermarkets are only enough for one time ;)

Ingredients for Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

All-purpose flour – The base of this recipe, providing structure to the bread.
Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Baking powder – Helps the bread rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
Poppy seeds – Adds a delightful crunch and a unique nutty flavor throughout the bread.
Sugar – Sweetens the loaf and complements the tangy lemon.
Milk – Keeps the bread moist and soft.
Vegetable oil – Adds richness and ensures the bread stays tender.
Eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
Lemon zest – Provides the bread with a fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice – The star ingredient that makes this bread extra lemony.
Vanilla extract – Adds a subtle layer of warmth and enhances the overall flavor.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

This lemon poppy seed bread uses simple everyday ingredients: flour, sugar, poppy seeds, fresh lemons, milk, oil, eggs, vanilla, salt and baking powder. The lemon flavor comes from fresh lemons – this recipe uses a lemon zest of one lemon and 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (which comes from one to two lemons, depending on how big they are and how well you squeeze them).

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Mixing bowls – To combine wet and dry ingredients with ease.
Whisk or mixer – Ensures your batter is smooth and lump-free.
Zester – Perfect for finely grating the lemon zest.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurements of all your ingredients.
9×5 loaf pan – The ideal size to bake this bread evenly.
Non-stick cooking spray – Helps the bread release effortlessly from the pan.

How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5 loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined.
Add the milk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients: flour, lemon zest, salt, baking powder, and poppy seeds. Stir just until the batter comes together.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake the bread for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making lemon poppy seed bread is really easy. It’s a true one-bowl recipe – all the ingredients are mixed in one bowl, then poured into a loaf pan and baked!

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm slices of lemon poppy seed bread with a pat of butter or cream cheese for a comforting breakfast.
Pair it with a hot Lemon Honey Tea or Authentic Turkish Coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for a sweeter, dessert-style presentation.
Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and add to lunchboxes for a delightful snack on the go.
Present it as a thoughtful homemade gift, wrapped in clear cellophane with a pretty ribbon.

I personally don’t glaze this lemon poppy seed bread, as I want it to be a bread, not a cake :) But if you’d like to glaze it, you can make a simple lemon glaze by mixing 2 cups of powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.

Tips for Success

Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid dense bread. Scoop the flour into the measuring cup with a spoon, then level it off with a knife.
Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, opt for fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice. The zest is also crucial, as it contains aromatic oils that amplify the lemony taste.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture in the final bread.
Prep the Pan Properly: A non-stick loaf pan is ideal, but spraying it thoroughly with cooking spray ensures the bread releases easily. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for extra insurance.
Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking the bread after 50 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and prevents crumbling.
Customize the Color: If you prefer a more vibrant yellow loaf, add a teaspoon of yellow food coloring to the batter. It won’t affect the flavor but gives the bread a bakery-style look.
Glazing Optional: While the bread is delicious on its own, a simple lemon glaze can elevate its sweetness and visual appeal. Mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice for a quick drizzle.

If you’d like this bread to be yellow in color like on my photos, add 1 teaspoon of yellow food coloring when adding the liquid ingredients. It doesn’t affect the taste at all, just the color :)

Variations and Substitutions

Make it Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour blend. Be sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Try a Healthier Twist: Substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce the fat content while keeping the bread moist.
Citrus Blend: Mix lemon zest and juice with orange or lime for a unique citrus medley. Adjust the amounts to maintain the right balance of tartness and sweetness.
Add More Texture: Stir in some chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for an extra crunch.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap regular milk with a non-dairy alternative, such as almond milk or oat milk, without affecting the taste or texture.
Go for a Sweeter Loaf: Sprinkle some coarse sugar on top of the batter before baking for a crispy, sugary crust.
Mini Loaves or Muffins: Use the batter to make mini loaves or muffins. Adjust the baking time accordingly—about 20-25 minutes for muffins and 35-40 minutes for mini loaves.
Low-Sugar Version: Replace some of the sugar with a granulated sugar substitute, ensuring it’s a 1-to-1 replacement for baking.

Lemon poppy seed bread can be served for breakfast, brunch, snack and dessert. This amazing bread is welcome anytime in my tummy :)

Storage and Reheating

Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the wrapped bread in the fridge. It will last up to a week, though it’s best enjoyed at room temperature.
Freezer: Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
Reheating: To enjoy warm slices, microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, toast the slices lightly for a crispier texture.

It also makes a great food gift when wrapped in a clear wrap with a pretty ribbon. Everyone loves a gourmet bread!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and freshness. Bottled lemon juice may have a slightly bitter or artificial taste that could affect the final result.

What if I don’t have poppy seeds?

If you don’t have poppy seeds, you can make the bread without them, though it will lose some of its signature texture. Chia seeds can be a great substitute if you have them on hand.

Can I make this bread vegan?

Yes! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg). Use a non-dairy milk like almond milk and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.

Why did my bread turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter or using old baking powder can cause dense bread. Make sure to mix only until the ingredients are combined and use fresh baking powder for the best rise.

How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes and test again.

Can I add a glaze to this bread?

Absolutely! Mix 2 cups of powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for a simple and tangy lemon glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled bread for an extra burst of sweetness.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour, but the bread may be denser and have a nuttier flavor. For a softer texture, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

Is this bread freezer-friendly?

Yes, this bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave when ready to enjoy.

If you like lemon poppy seed bread, you will also love these easy yummy recipes:

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins – another form of lemon poppy seed goodness! I love these muffins!

Candied Lemon Slices – so addictive, lemon lovers can eat the whole batch in one sitting!

Best Ever Lemon Meringue Pie – so tender and delicious, full of lemon flavor! Super refreshing!

Easy Lemon Crinkles Cookies – these cookies look so beautiful and taste so lemony!

Starbucks Lemon Pound Cake Copycat Recipe – if you love the Starbucks lemon cake, you can now make it at home!

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