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Easy Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

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A bright, tangy lemon poppy seed loaf that’s quick and easy to make, perfect for thoughtful gifts like teacher appreciation. Moist with a subtle crunch and a light lemon glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • Zest from 2 lemons
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the glaze:
  • 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly flour it.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently to combine.
  7. Fold in poppy seeds gently with a spatula.
  8. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  9. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly after 40 minutes.
  10. Cool loaf in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice to make glaze while loaf cools.
  12. Once loaf is completely cool, drizzle glaze over the top and let set for 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and butter for best mixing results. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender. Let the loaf cool completely before glazing to prevent melting. Tent with foil if browning too fast. Fresh lemons provide best flavor. Can substitute poppy seeds with chia seeds or nuts. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Vegan adaptations possible with flax eggs and plant-based substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon poppy seed loaf, lemon loaf, easy lemon bread, teacher appreciation gift, quick lemon cake, lemon glaze, poppy seed bread

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-zesty-lemon-poppy-seed-loaf-recipe-perfect-for-teacher-appreciation-gifts/