Poppy Seed Bread(So Easy)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Cuisine: American

A moist, tender lemon poppy seed bread with a bright citrus flavor and crunchy seeds, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or teatime enjoyment.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 box lemon or yellow cake mix
  • 1 small box lemon instant pudding
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1/4 cup poppy seed

Instructions

  1. Combine the cake mix, lemon pudding, oil, eggs, hot water, and poppy seed in a mixing bowl.
  2. Beat the mixture for 3 minutes until well blended.
  3. Add the poppy seed and beat for 1 more minute.
  4. Pour the batter into two loaf pans sprayed with cooking spray.
  5. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. If you don’t have lemon pudding, vanilla pudding can work as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor. Consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest for an extra citrusy kick. To enhance the poppy seed flavor, let the batter rest for a few minutes before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Poppy seed bread is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a light cream cheese spread or lemon glaze. For a brunch setting, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt. Consider serving it as a sweet complement to savory dishes, like a vegetable frittata, for a balanced breakfast. It also makes a lovely gift, much like The Gift Cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover poppy seed bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Poppy Seed Bread(So Easy) contains roughly 658 calories, with 11g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (61% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

658 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11g 22% DV
Total Fat 47.6g 61% DV
Carbs 52.9g 19% DV
Fiber 9.8g 35% DV
Sugar 1.5g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 285.2mg 12% DV
Potassium 604.2mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 64.5mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Calcium 792.1mg 61% DV
Iron 6.6mg 37% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg

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 a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can use any cake mix, but lemon or yellow cake mix enhances the flavor profile. Chocolate or vanilla mixes can work too, but the bread will lose its signature lemony taste. Adjust the pudding flavor accordingly to match the cake mix if you decide to experiment.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of poppy seed bread, substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check that the instant pudding mix is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!

Can I add other ingredients to the batter?

Absolutely! You can incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for added crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can also enhance the flavor. Just ensure any additions are well mixed into the batter to maintain an even texture throughout the bread.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →