Print

Moist Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe with Easy Zesty Glaze Tutorial

moist lemon poppy seed bread - featured image

A moist and tender lemon poppy seed bread with a bright, zesty glaze that balances tang and sweetness perfectly. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting treat any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120g) Greek yogurt
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons poppy seeds (lightly toasted)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
  5. Mix in Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fragrant.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  7. Pour batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick; tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
  9. Cool bread in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth for the glaze.
  11. Drizzle glaze evenly over cooled bread and let set for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not skip the Greek yogurt to keep the bread moist. Toast poppy seeds lightly in a dry skillet to enhance flavor. Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense loaf. Glaze the bread only after it has completely cooled to prevent melting and sliding. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend; for dairy-free, use coconut oil and coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon poppy seed bread, lemon bread, poppy seed bread, zesty glaze, moist bread, quick bread, lemon dessert