Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf (Printable)

Zesty loaf with fresh lemon and crunchy poppy seeds, finished with a tangy lemon glaze.

# What goes in:

→ For the Loaf

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
10 - Zest of 2 lemons
11 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For the Lemon Glaze

13 - 1 cup powdered sugar
14 - 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
05 - Mix in Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
06 - Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
07 - Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly.
08 - Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over cooled loaf and allow glaze to set before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tangy brightness wakes up even the grayest afternoon
  • That crackle of poppy seeds gives every bite something to smile about
02 -
  • Overmixing is the enemy here a few streaks of flour are better than a dense rubbery loaf
  • Wait until the cake is completely cool before glazing or that beautiful icing will slide right off
03 -
  • Zest your lemons before juicing them or you will have a seriously difficult time
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the dreaded curdled batter situation

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