Here’s a list of ingredients for a **lemon poppy seed loaf** formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help your recipe rank better:
- **1 ½ cups all-purpose flour** (perfect for baking a moist lemon poppy seed loaf)
- **1 teaspoon baking powder** (essential for a fluffy texture)
- **½ teaspoon baking soda** (helps the loaf rise evenly)
- **¼ teaspoon salt** (enhances the flavor of the lemon poppy seed bread)
- **½ cup unsalted butter, softened** (creates a rich, buttery base)
- **1 cup granulated sugar** (adds sweetness to balance the tangy lemon flavor)
- **2 large eggs** (binds the ingredients for a perfect lemon poppy seed loaf)
- **1 tablespoon lemon zest** (fresh lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor)
- **2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice** (adds tanginess to the lemon poppy seed bread)
- **½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream** (keeps the loaf moist and tender)
- **1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract** (enhances the overall flavor profile)
- **2 tablespoons poppy seeds** (adds crunch and texture to the lemon poppy seed loaf)
- **½ cup milk** (adjusts the batter consistency for baking)
Optional glaze ingredients:
- **1 cup powdered sugar** (for a sweet lemon glaze)
- **2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice** (adds a tangy finish to the lemon poppy seed bread)
This ingredient list is optimized for keywords like **lemon poppy seed loaf**, **lemon poppy seed bread**, and **moist lemon poppy seed recipe** to improve search engine visibility.
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Steps
# How to Make a Delicious Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf: Step-by-Step Guide
If you're craving a zesty, moist, and flavorful treat, this **lemon poppy seed loaf** recipe is perfect for you. Packed with bright citrus flavors and the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, this loaf is ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. Follow these detailed steps to create a bakery-worthy loaf at home.
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## **Ingredients for Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf**
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 2-3 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the Lemon Glaze:**
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Preheat and Prepare**
- Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
- Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
### **2. Mix Dry Ingredients**
- In a medium bowl, whisk together **1 ½ cups flour**, **1 teaspoon baking powder**, **¼ teaspoon baking soda**, **¼ teaspoon salt**, and **2 tablespoons poppy seeds**. Set aside.
### **3. Cream Butter and Sugar**
- In a large mixing bowl, beat **½ cup softened butter** and **1 cup granulated sugar** until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
### **4. Add Wet Ingredients**
- Beat in **2 large eggs**, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Mix in **1 tablespoon lemon zest**, **2 tablespoons lemon juice**, **½ cup yogurt (or sour cream)**, and **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**.
### **5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures**
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
### **6. Bake the Loaf**
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for **45-55 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
### **7. Cool and Glaze**
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk **1 cup powdered sugar** with **2-3 tablespoons lemon juice** until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
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## **Tips for the Perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf**
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf.
- Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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This **easy lemon poppy seed loaf** recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining tangy citrus with a soft, moist crumb. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a must-try for baking enthusiasts!