Description

This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a moist, tangy, and sweet quick bread infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, combined with crunchy poppy seeds and topped with a smooth lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, it offers a refreshing citrus flavor balanced with a subtle sweetness from maple syrup and creamy Greek yogurt.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
1/4 cup olive oil or another neutral oil
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 large eggs
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 packed tablespoons lemon zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt

Lemon Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon lemon zest, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon milk or cream

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×4 inch loaf pan with avocado oil or nonstick spray. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit inside the pan with extra hanging over the sides to create a sling, making it easier to lift the bread out after baking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Add lemon zest, all-purpose flour, baking powder, poppy seeds, and salt to the wet mixture. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones gently but thoroughly until you achieve a uniform batter.
Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent overbrowning.
Cool the Bread: Remove the loaf from the oven and use the parchment sling to transfer it onto a wire rack. Let the bread cool completely before glazing.
Prepare Lemon Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and milk or cream until the glaze is smooth and creamy.
Glaze and Garnish: Once the bread is fully cooled, drizzle or spread the lemon glaze evenly over the top. Garnish with additional lemon zest for a fresh, decorative finish.
Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes. Slice the bread and serve, enjoying the moist and zesty flavors.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lemons for zest and juice to maximize lemon flavor.
You can substitute neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil if olive oil is not preferred.
If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar.
Storing the bread in an airtight container at room temperature will keep it fresh for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
This bread freezes well; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Lemon Poppy Seed Bread, Quick Bread, Lemon Glaze, Breakfast Bread, Citrus Bread, Poppy Seed Loaf