Why You’ll Love This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe
Lemon poppy seed bread is a delightful treat that never fails to brighten my day. Its vibrant flavor and tender crumb make it a perfect companion for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
I love how the zesty lemon pairs with the nutty poppy seeds, creating a revitalizing taste that lifts my spirits. The aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible, inviting everyone to gather around.
Plus, it’s easy to make, and I can whip it up for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving this delicious bread again and again!
Ingredients of Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
When it comes to baking something truly delightful, Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a standout. The combination of zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds creates a flavor that’s bright and invigorating, perfect for any time of the day.
It’s super easy to whip up, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned bakers and those who might be a little nervous in the kitchen. Plus, the ingredients are pretty simple and likely ones you already have on hand.
Let’s explore what you’ll need to get started on this yummy journey.
Ingredients for Lemon Poppy Seed Bread:
- 3 eggs
- 2 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/8 cups olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tablespoons almond extract
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon extract
- 3 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract (for glaze)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract (for glaze)
Now, here’s something to think about: while the recipe calls for olive oil, you might also want to experiment with other oils like canola or even melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.
Just imagine the deliciousness of coconut and lemon dancing together in your bread. And don’t worry if you’re not a fan of almond extract—feel free to adjust the amounts of extracts to suit your taste.
Baking is all about finding what you love, right? So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and get ready to create something that will surely spread joy!
How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
Making Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is like giving your kitchen a burst of sunshine. To start, gather your ingredients: you’ll need 3 eggs, 2 1/4 cups sugar, 1 1/2 cups milk, and 1 1/8 cups olive oil.
In a large mixing bowl, crack those eggs and whisk them together with the sugar until it’s nice and frothy, kind of like a fizzy drink but without the bubbles. Then, add in the milk, olive oil, poppy seeds (1 1/2 tablespoons of those little crunchy gems), and your extracts: 1 1/2 tablespoons each of vanilla, almond, and lemon. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. It should smell heavenly by now, right?
Next up, let’s get floury. In another bowl, sift together 3 cups of flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder. Sifting is like giving your flour a mini spa day—it makes everything lighter and fluffier.
Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently for about 1-2 minutes. Don’t overdo it; we’re looking for a smooth batter, not a workout for your arm. Once that’s done, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grab two greased bread pans and pour the batter evenly between them. Bake for 1 hour, and the kitchen will fill with the most inviting aroma, making you wonder why you don’t bake more often.
As the bread bakes, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1/4 cup of orange juice and the same amounts of extracts you used earlier—1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla, almond, and lemon.
When the timer goes off, and your loaves are golden and lovely, take them out of the oven and pour that sweet glaze right over the top while they’re still in the pans. It’s like giving your bread a shiny new coat, and who doesn’t love a little extra sweetness?
Let them cool for about 30 minutes, then gently remove them from the pans and cool them on racks. And voilà! You have a delightful Lemon Poppy Seed Bread that’s sure to impress everyone, even if you’re still figuring out how to crack an egg without making a mess.
Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up with your Lemon Poppy Seed Bread, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to contemplate.
You can swap out olive oil for melted butter for a richer flavor. If you don’t have poppy seeds, try chia seeds for a similar texture. For a twist, add blueberries or raspberries to the batter.
You can also experiment with different extracts, like coconut or hazelnut, to change the profile. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Each change brings a unique taste, so don’t hesitate to play around!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Lemon Poppy Seed Bread turns out perfectly, I recommend measuring your ingredients accurately and mixing them thoroughly but not overdoing it.
For an extra burst of lemon flavor, you can add some lemon zest to the batter. If you prefer a lighter texture, try using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Don’t forget to let the bread cool in the pan for about 30 minutes to make sure it holds its shape.
Finally, for storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for several days! Enjoy your baking!