Short Description

Bright, zesty lemon meets the delicate crunch of poppy seeds in this ultra-moist loaf cake, finished with a thick, silky vanilla glaze and a fresh lemon slice for a touch of elegance. Perfect for brunch, tea, or a citrusy dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemon poppy seed loaf strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. The lemon zest and juice infuse the cake with a vibrant citrus flavor, while sour cream ensures a tender, moist crumb. The poppy seeds add a delightful crunch in every bite, and the vanilla glaze brings just the right touch of sweetness. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and perfect for entertaining or casual snacking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: lemon zest or slice for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
5. Mix in the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool completely in the pan.
9. To prepare the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf. Garnish with lemon zest or a lemon slice, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories per Serving: 310 kcal

Variations

• Lemon Almond Loaf: Replace poppy seeds with slivered almonds and add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for a nutty twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Coconut Glaze: Add 1 tablespoon of shredded coconut to the glaze and a few drops of coconut extract for a tropical touch.
• Extra Moist Loaf: Replace sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a different texture.
• Citrus Blend: Mix lemon with orange or lime zest for a more complex flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap the cooled, unglazed loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a just-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to also include zest for brightness.

Do I have to use sour cream?

Sour cream adds moisture and richness, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk.

Why is my loaf dense?

Overmixing the batter or using expired leavening agents can result in a dense texture. Mix just until combined and ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes, divide the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.

Is this loaf overly sweet?

No, the sweetness is balanced by the tartness of lemon. You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a more tart flavor.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, but the glaze adds sweetness and visual appeal. You could also dust the loaf with powdered sugar as an alternative.

Are poppy seeds necessary?

Poppy seeds add texture and subtle flavor, but the loaf is still delicious without them if you prefer a smoother crumb.

How do I prevent the glaze from soaking into the cake?

Make sure the loaf is completely cooled before glazing. A warm loaf will absorb the glaze rather than allowing it to sit on top.

Can I add blueberries or other fruit?

Yes, fold in a half-cup of fresh or frozen (not thawed) blueberries for a fruity variation.

How long does the glaze take to set?

The glaze typically sets within 15–20 minutes at room temperature.

Conclusion

This lemon poppy seed loaf with vanilla glaze is a refreshing and elegant baked good that’s as suitable for a quiet morning coffee as it is for a festive gathering. With its moist crumb, bright citrus flavor, and velvety glaze, it’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether served warm or chilled, this loaf will quickly become a staple in your baking rotation.

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