Brighten Your Bakes with this Zesty Lemon and Poppy Seed Loaf Recipe

Brighten Your Bakes with this Zesty Lemon and Poppy Seed Loaf Recipe

Looking for a cake with fresh flavours? A Lemon and Poppy Seed Loaf might be what you need. It’s simple to make, packed with citrus, and perfect with a cup of tea. For other delectable treats, you might enjoy exploring our Mixed Postal Brownie Box for something chocolatey to pair with your loaf.

This is an easy recipe to follow. It requires minimal equipment, and most ingredients are pantry staples. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next baking project, consider checking out our Brownie Delivery options for convenient dessert ideas.

Ingredients

  • 200g plain flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • 200g granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 2 large eggs
  • 120ml whole milk
  • 120ml vegetable oil
  • 2 lemons, zested and juiced
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 150g icing sugar (for glaze)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Loaf tin (approx. 21cm x 11cm)
  • Baking paper
  • Grater for zesting

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line the loaf tin with baking paper.

In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, poppy seeds, and salt. Stir well to avoid lumps.

In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Combine until smooth.

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Use a whisk to gently fold until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 45-55 minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick into the centre; it should come out clean. Baking times vary by oven. For more dessert inspiration, our Postal Blondies are another fantastic treat to explore.

Once baked, allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Glaze Preparation

In a small bowl, mix icing sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Adjust for your preferred consistency.

Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set for 10 minutes before slicing.

Storage Tips

  • Keep the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • For longer storage, wrap slices in cling film and freeze. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Extra Tips

  • Use fresh lemons for maximum flavour. Bottled juice doesn’t deliver the same result.
  • If you prefer a stronger citrus flavour, add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest.
  • Don’t skip the glaze. It adds both moisture and tanginess to the loaf.

Have you baked with poppy seeds before? They add texture without overpowering the flavours. This loaf is great for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a gift. And if you’re hosting an afternoon tea party, why not consider our Luxury Afternoon Tea Delivery to elevate your gathering?

Would you try adding other elements? Blueberries, raspberries, or orange zest might create something unique. Let us know what you think.

Simple recipes keep baking approachable. This loaf is a great recipe to start experimenting with citrus-based desserts.