Perfectly moist and tender, this Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf is packed with delicious lemony flavors and sprinkled with the perfect amount of poppy seeds. This easy to make sweet bread is great for breakfast, tea-time, or an after dinner dessert. 

What is Lemon Poppy Seed Bread?

Similar to my Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf, this lemon poppy seed bread adds poppy seeds along with the zesty lemony flavor. Its light, fluffy texture is what makes it so delicious no matter when you eat it. 

Lemon Poppy Seed bread is a quick bread. This means that instead of using yeast to make the bread, you use baking soda as a leavening agent. Quick breads bake up moist and fluffy without all the wait time. It’s the perfect quick and easy treat. 

Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need ingredients for both the loaf and the icing. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sugar– Use your measuring cup to scoop and back the sugar. 
• Butter– Room temperature butter works better in baking. Let the butter sit on the counter for about 30-minutes.
• Eggs– Use room temperature eggs for a fluffier lemon loaf. 
• Vanilla extract– I use pure vanilla extract, but you can use imitation vanilla as well. 
• Lemon– You will need the juice from one lemon as well as the zest. Zest the lemon before juicing. Keep 1 tablespoon out for the icing.
• Milk– I used whole milk for this recipe, but you could use 2% if that’s all you have. Additionally, you could use soy milk for dairy intolerances. You will need milk for both the loaf and the icing. 
• Flour– Do not pack the flour. Instead, use a spoon to scoop it into the measuring cup and scrape off the access with a butter knife. 
• Baking soda– This is what makes the bread rise. Do not substitute with baking powder. 
• Poppy seeds– You can find poppy seeds in the seasonings and spice section at your local grocery store. 
• Salt– A pinch of salt is all you need. 
• Powdered sugar– You will need powdered sugar for the icing. Because it’s a fine sugar, it blends easier into the milk. 

How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

This lemon poppy seed bread is quick and easy to make. It’s perfect to whip up for an easy breakfast for the week. 

Step 1: Preheat and Prep 

First, preheat the oven to 350?, and grease a 9×5” loaf pan.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar for about 3-minutes. 

Step 3: Add Eggs and Lemon

Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until combined. Add the lemon juice and zest, next and beat until incorporated. 

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, add ? of the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix everything together until fully incorporated. 

Step 5: Pour in Milk and More Flour

Mix in half of the milk. Then, add another third of the flour. Mix everything until combined. 

Step 6: Repeat Step 5

Repeat adding the remaining milk and flour until everything is fully incorporated. 

Step 7: Add the Poppy Seeds

Gently stir in the poppy seeds, but don’t overmix the batter. 

Step 8: Bake Your Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake it in the center of the oven for 45-60 minutes. 

Step 9: Let the Loaf Cool

Next, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-minutes. Then, run a butter knife along the edges of the pan to loosen the loaf, and place it on a cooling rack. 

Step 10: Make the Icing

To make the icing, whisk the milk, powdered sugar, and lemon juice together until smooth. The icing should be thin. 

Drizzle the icing over the loaf and enjoy!

Why is My Lemon Quick Bread Cracked on Top?

This is normal! It happens because the top cooks first since it is exposed to the heat of the oven. As the middle of the loaf bakes and expands, it causes the no longer flexible top to crack. Simply drizzle it with icing to take away from the crack. 

Should You Soak Poppy Seeds Before Baking?

Yes! In fact, soaking the poppy seeds before baking softens their tough outer coating. This allows the flavors to be more easily released while baking. Simply soak them in hot milk, water, or oil for about 30-minutes. 

Do Poppy Seeds Add Flavor?

Yes. Poppy seeds add a slightly nutty, sweet and spicy flavor to your bread. Additionally, they add a crunchy texture. 

Lemon Poppy Seed Tips and Tricks

• Use room temperature ingredients. For best results in baking bread, it’s always best to use room temperature eggs and butter. 
• Grease the pan well. You don’t want your lemon poppyseed loaf to stick to the sides of the pan. Be sure to grease the pan liberally. 
• Cream the butter and sugar well. You want them to look pale and fluffy before adding the remaining ingredients. 
• Do the toothpick test. Once the loaf is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, it’s done.
• The icing should be thin. Icing should be thin enough to pour slowly. Add a few extra drops of milk, or teaspoons of powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency. 

How to Store Leftovers

Do not refrigerate your lemon loaf. Instead, wrap it loosely with paper towels and place it in a ziploc bag on the counter. This will keep your loaf moist and fresh. 

Can I Freeze It?

Yes, you can. Wrap your lemon poppyseed loaf tightly in plastic wrap, and then wrap it in aluminum foil. Or, place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. You can freeze the loaf for up to 3-months. 

Other Lemon Recipes to Try

• Lemon Cream
• Lemon Sugar Cookies
• Blueberry Lemon Bread
• Lemon Bundt Cake
• Lemon ButterCream Sandwich Cookies

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comment below. Want to make it later? Pin it to your favorite dessert board! THANK YOU for the support!