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Moist Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf with Zesty Glaze

lemon poppy seed loaf - featured image

A bright, moist lemon poppy seed loaf with a tangy-sweet glaze that balances sweet and tart perfectly. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and fresh lemons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120g) Greek yogurt (can substitute with dairy-free yogurt)
  • Zest from 2 medium lemons
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and dust lightly with flour.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Stir in Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
  6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan, filling about 3/4 full and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking at 50 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool loaf in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest for the glaze until smooth.
  11. Drizzle glaze evenly over cooled loaf and let set for 20-30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and butter for better texture. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. Let the loaf cool completely before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon poppy seed loaf, lemon loaf, poppy seed cake, lemon glaze, easy lemon dessert, moist lemon cake