Lemon poppy seed bread is a refreshing, fragrant bread with a delicate crumb, a burst of citrus flavor, and the added crunch of poppy seeds. Finished with a simple lemon glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat.
Introduction
This lemon poppy seed bread is bursting with fresh lemon flavor and poppy seeds, making it the perfect bread for citrus lovers. The glaze adds a hint of sweetness that complements the tart lemon, making every slice a treat.
Why You’ll Love This Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
- Light and fluffy: The bread is tender and soft with a perfect crumb.
- Refreshing lemon flavor: The lemon zest and juice bring a bright citrus punch.
- Perfect for breakfast or brunch: It’s easy to slice and serve, and it pairs well with coffee.
- Simple glaze: The glaze is quick and easy to make, and adds a beautiful shine to the bread.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a batch and freeze it for later enjoyment.
Ingredients for Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

For the Bread:
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base for the bread.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the bread.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the bread rise.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness.
- Eggs (2 large): Provides structure.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and moisture.
- Lemon zest (from 2 lemons): Bright citrus flavor.
- Lemon juice (1/4 cup): Fresh lemony tang.
- Poppy seeds (2 tablespoons): Adds crunch and visual appeal.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Moistens the batter.
For the Lemon Glaze:
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the glaze.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): For a tangy glaze.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): To thin the glaze as needed.
Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe (How to Make It)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices
- 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- 2. Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- 3. Mix wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and milk.
- 4. Combine and fold in poppy seeds. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the poppy seeds.
- 5. Bake the bread. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- 6. Make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk.
- 7. Glaze the bread. After the bread has cooled for 10 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Reader Review: “This bread is so light and refreshing! The lemon glaze makes it irresistible.”
Tips for Perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir gently to keep the crumb light.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest: Fresh lemons give the best flavor.
- Check for doneness: Start checking around 50 minutes with a toothpick.
Variations & Substitutions
- Blueberry lemon poppy seed: Add 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries to the batter.
- Coconut glaze: Use coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Dairy-free: Use non-dairy butter and milk instead of dairy.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven at 325°F for a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with a cup of green tea.
- Pair with scrambled eggs for a balanced breakfast.
- Enjoy with fresh fruit for a refreshing snack.
If you make this glazed lemon poppy seed bread, leave a rating and comment!
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Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bread (Bright, Fluffy, Best Ever)
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This lemon poppy seed bread is light, moist, and bursting with citrus flavor. The sweet glaze adds a tangy finish, making it an irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup melted butter
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– Zest of 2 lemons
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 tbsp poppy seeds
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
– 2 tbsp lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In one bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another, whisk eggs, butter, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, fold in poppy seeds, and add milk.
4. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes until golden.
5. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice, drizzle over cooled bread.
Notes
– You can add 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries to the batter for an extra fruity flavor.
– This bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
