Print

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Moist, citrusy, and lightly sweet, this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is the perfect quick bread for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert. Made with sour cream and fresh lemon juice, it’s topped with a bright lemon glaze for the ultimate zing.

  • Author: Catherine
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
  • Category: Quick Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup (80g) sour cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt), at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup (160ml) whole milk, at room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • For the glaze:
  • 1/2 cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: candied lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and sugar until combined. Then whisk in the oil, sour cream, milk, lemon juice, and zest.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently whisk until just combined. Do not overmix; small lumps are fine.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  6. Bake for 50–60 minutes. Cover loosely with foil halfway through to prevent over-browning. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
  7. Cool the bread completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  8. To make the glaze, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
  9. Drizzle the glaze over the warm or cooled bread. Let it set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
  • Double the glaze if you prefer a thicker topping.
  • Replace sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt if needed.
  • Poppy seeds can be swapped with chia or black sesame seeds.
  • Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  • Bread can be frozen (glazed or unglazed) for up to 3 months.

Nutrition