Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a bright, zesty treat that brings a cheerful burst of flavor to your day, look no further than this Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake Recipe. This loaf cake balances tangy lemon with the delightful crunch of poppy seeds, wrapped in moist, tender crumb that feels like a hug in every bite. It’s incredibly satisfying, bursting with citrus notes and just the right sweetness, perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a light dessert. Once you try this Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake Recipe, it’s bound to become a beloved staple you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake Recipe calls for simple ingredients you likely have on hand, yet each one plays a vital role in building its wonderful texture and flavor profile. From the bright lemon zest to the moist creaminess of sour cream or Greek yogurt, every component brings something special to the table.

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and tenderness.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the loaf rise beautifully and stay light.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients for extra lift.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors to perfection.
• 3 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens without overpowering, balancing the lemony tang.
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds moistness and a subtle tang.
• ½ cup oil (vegetable or canola): Keeps the crumb tender and soft.
• Zest of 2 lemons: Bursts with fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Gives the cake its bright lemon punch.
• 1 tablespoon lemon extract: Intensifies that irresistible lemon essence.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the citrus notes.
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Essential for the luscious lemon glaze topping.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Mixed into the glaze for zesty finish.
• ½ tablespoon milk: Balances the glaze consistency perfectly.
• ½ tablespoon melted butter: Adds richness and shine to the glaze.

How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing and flouring a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This simple prep ensures your loaf comes out cleanly and forms that perfect crust we all love.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed. Setting these aside ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed for a perfectly risen cake.

Step 3: Mix Eggs and Sugar

Grab a large bowl and whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This step creates a light base for your batter, helping that sugar dissolve and blend seamlessly with the eggs.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Into the egg and sugar mixture, stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt, oil, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, lemon extract, and vanilla extract. Mixing these together gives you the moist, flavorful heart of this Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake Recipe.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your loaf tender and airy.

Step 6: Fold in Poppy Seeds

Sprinkle the poppy seeds into your batter and fold them evenly throughout. These tiny seeds add that signature crunch and nutty surprise with every bite.

Step 7: Fill the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out to an even layer. This ensures your cake bakes uniformly and develops a lovely golden top.

Step 8: Bake the Loaf

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here rewards you with the best texture.

Step 9: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

While the loaf cools, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and melted butter in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. This luscious glaze will add a sweet and tangy finish that perfectly complements the cake.

Step 10: Glaze and Enjoy

Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the top. Slice and savor every bright, flavorful bite of your homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake Recipe.

How to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate the presentation of this loaf cake with fresh lemon slices, a sprinkle of additional poppy seeds, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. These simple garnishes make every slice look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong black coffee or a soothing herbal tea, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or afternoon snack time. For brunch, try it alongside fresh berries or creamy yogurt to balance the tangy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of lemon curd for extra indulgence. For gatherings, stack thick slices on a decorative platter and garnish with edible flowers to impress your guests with both flavor and style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them moist longer, refrigeration is your friend, extending freshness up to a week.

Freezing

This Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick, delightful treat.

Reheating

To bring out that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. The glaze stays delightfully gooey, making each bite feel freshly made.

FAQs

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in this Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tang and moisture that keeps the loaf tender and flavorful.

What type of oil is best to use?

Vegetable or canola oil are best choices for this recipe because they have a neutral flavor and help maintain the moist texture without overpowering the lemon zest.

How can I tell when the loaf cake is done baking?

Testing with a toothpick is the most reliable method—insert it into the center of the cake and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.

Is the lemon glaze necessary?

The lemon glaze adds a wonderful burst of tangy sweetness that complements the loaf’s citrus flavor beautifully, but if you prefer a less sweet cake, you can skip it without a problem.

Can I make this Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake Recipe vegan?

With some ingredient swaps like flax eggs and plant-based yogurt, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan, but texture and flavor might subtly differ from the classic version.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake Recipe is like a little slice of sunshine that brightens any day. The balance of tart lemon and crunchy poppy seeds, wrapped in a moist cake, makes it utterly irresistible. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this favorite as much as I do — it truly has a way of making moments special and smiles bigger.

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