Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
Lemon Poppy Seed Bread offers a moist, flavorful loaf infused with zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or teatime, its bright citrus notes and tender crumb appeal to citrus lovers and bread enthusiasts alike, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease and flour two loaf pans.
- Combine sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon extract in a large bowl, and mix well.
- Stir in the poppy seeds.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the flour mixture and milk to the sugar mixture alternately, mixing well after each addition.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two loaf pans.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Loosen the edges from the sides of the pans.
- Cool the loaves in the pans for 10 minutes.
- Turn the loaves onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the eggs are at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have lemon extract, you can use extra vanilla extract or finely grated lemon zest for a fresh flavor. To enhance the poppy seed flavor, consider toasting them lightly before adding to the batter. If you want to add a twist, try incorporating a drizzle of lemon glaze on top after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the lemon poppy seed bread for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. For a special treat, consider serving it alongside a slice of Cheese Cake With Sunshine Vanilla Wafers.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lemon poppy seed bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Poppy Seed Bread contains roughly 168 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe, but it may result in a denser texture. To improve the outcome, consider using a blend of both flours or adding a bit more liquid to the batter.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the color; it should be golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Can I add fruits or nuts to the batter?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding blueberries, cranberries, or chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds. Just be sure to adjust the flour slightly if you add a significant amount of extra ingredients to maintain the right batter consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).