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Moist Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

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A bright, citrusy lemon poppy seed bread with a moist texture and subtle crunch, topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt
  • Zest of 2 medium lemons (about 2 tablespoons)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds until evenly distributed.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  5. Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, then fold in the Greek yogurt until just combined.
  6. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just incorporated; a few lumps are okay.
  7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, filling about ¾ full, and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, starting to check at 50 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  10. To prepare the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then lemon juice and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  11. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bread. For a prettier finish, create soft peaks or swirls with a spatula. Slice and serve.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and butter for best texture. Measure flour carefully by spooning and leveling. Fold dry ingredients gently to avoid toughness. Start checking bread early with a toothpick test. Chill frosting if too soft, especially in warm or humid kitchens. Bread tastes better the next day as flavors meld. For dairy-free, substitute butter, cream cheese, and yogurt with plant-based alternatives. Fresh lemon juice and zest provide best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon poppy seed bread, lemon bread, poppy seed bread, cream cheese frosting, easy lemon bread, moist lemon bread, lemon dessert, quick bread

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/moist-lemon-poppy-seed-bread-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting/