Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Name: Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon poppy seeds; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon Meyer lemon zest; ½ cup Meyer lemon juice; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice

Highlighted under: Classic Bakery Favorites

Delightful and fragrant, this Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a perfect treat for any occasion.

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2025-12-20T13:21:48.989Z

This Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread combines the tartness of Meyer lemons with the crunch of poppy seeds, creating a delightful flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright and zesty flavor that awakens your taste buds
Moist texture with a delightful crunch from poppy seeds
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack

      

The Unique Charm of Meyer Lemons

Meyer lemons, a hybrid between a lemon and a mandarin orange, are known for their sweeter, less acidic flavor. This unique taste adds a delightful twist to traditional baked goods, making them a popular choice among bakers. When incorporated into recipes like this Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread, they enhance the overall flavor profile, providing a bright and zesty kick that is both refreshing and indulgent.

In addition to their sweet flavor, Meyer lemons have a thin skin and vibrant yellow-orange hue, which makes them visually appealing. Their juice and zest can elevate your dishes, whether you're preparing breakfast breads or savory sauces. Using fresh Meyer lemons in this recipe not only contributes to the taste but also brings a beautiful aesthetic to your kitchen.

The Perfect Bread for Any Occasion

This Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal choice for various occasions. Whether you're serving it for breakfast alongside coffee, bringing it to a brunch gathering, or simply enjoying a slice as a sweet snack, it fits perfectly into any scenario. The moist texture and the delightful crunch of poppy seeds create a memorable eating experience that friends and family will love.

Moreover, this bread can easily be dressed up for special events. Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh fruit for a brunch centerpiece. Alternatively, slice it up and package it beautifully for a thoughtful homemade gift. Whatever the occasion, this bread is sure to impress.

Tips for the Best Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

For the best results, always use fresh Meyer lemons rather than bottled juice. Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the most robust flavor and elevate the taste of your bread. When zesting, make sure to only take the yellow part of the peel, as the white pith underneath can be bitter. This small detail can make a big difference in the final product.

Additionally, let the bread cool in the pan for about ten minutes before glazing. This allows the bread to set and makes it easier to remove without breaking. The glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and sweetness, so don’t skip this step! Feel free to adjust the glaze's consistency by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice to achieve your desired thickness.

Ingredients

For the Bread

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon Meyer lemon zest
½ cup Meyer lemon juice
½ cup buttermilk

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice

Make sure to use fresh Meyer lemons for the best flavor!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Lemon

Add eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, and mix until just combined.

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Glaze

While the bread is baking, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a glaze.

Glaze the Bread

Once the bread has cooled for 10 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread!

Storing and Freezing

To keep your Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and place it in the freezer. It can last for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat whenever you crave it.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen bread, simply thaw it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. For a warm, freshly-baked feeling, you can slice and toast individual pieces in the oven or toaster. This method revives the bread’s moist texture and brings the flavors back to life.

Variations to Try

While the classic Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is fantastic as is, feel free to experiment with other flavors! Adding blueberries or raspberries can introduce a new dimension of sweetness and tartness that complements the lemon beautifully. Alternatively, you might incorporate nuts like walnuts or almonds for added crunch and nutrition.

For a more indulgent twist, consider swirling in a cream cheese filling or topping the bread with chopped nuts before baking. Each variation can transform this recipe into something new and exciting, allowing you to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Bread pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. A light spread of cream cheese or lemon butter can enhance the flavors even further. For a refreshing contrast, serve it with a side of fresh berries or a citrus salad, which brings out the bread's zesty notes and adds a burst of color to your plate.

Consider pairing slices of this bread with tea or a light afternoon beverage for a delightful snack or dessert option. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up, this bread is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it, making it a staple in your baking repertoire.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?

Yes, but the flavor will be slightly more tart.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.