Name: Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Citrus Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons poppy seeds; 1 cup canola oil; 1 ½ cups milk; 2 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup orange juice; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon butter, melted

I can’t wait to share this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Citrus Glaze Recipe with you! It’s one of those recipes that feels like sunshine baked into a loaf — bright, fresh, and just a bit tangy from the lemon and orange glaze. Whether you’re making it for a lazy weekend brunch or to bring a bit of zest to your afternoon tea, this bread never disappoints. I’ve made it countless times, and honestly, it’s become a staple when I want something sweet but not overpowering.

What makes this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Citrus Glaze Recipe so special is the balance of flavors and textures. The poppy seeds add a subtle crunch that’s so satisfying, while the glaze gives it that perfect citrusy finish that keeps you going back for more. Plus, it’s straightforward enough to pull off even if you’re a beginner baker, but still feels fancy enough to impress your friends or family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this lemon poppy seed bread recipe works in harmony to create a moist, flavorful loaf. When you shop, look for fresh lemons and a good-quality vanilla extract — they really make a difference. Also, having fresh citrus juice for the glaze gives it that zing you want.

All-purpose flour: The base of the bread, it provides structure without heaviness.
Baking powder: Gives your bread that lovely rise and fluffy crumb.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Poppy seeds: Adds a delightful texture and a subtle nutty bite.
Canola oil: Keeps the bread moist without adding strong flavors.
Milk: Moistens the batter and adds richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and glistens in the citrus glaze.
Large eggs: Help bind the ingredients and create structure.
Lemon juice and zest: The stars of the show for that fresh, citrus punch.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Orange juice: In the glaze, it complements the lemon perfectly for a multi-citrus finish.
Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the glaze set beautifully.

Variations

I love how flexible this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Citrus Glaze Recipe is — it makes experimenting fun and easy. Sometimes I tweak it based on what’s in my pantry or accommodate guests’ preferences. Don’t be shy to make it your own!

Gluten-Free Version: I tried substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and while the texture was a bit denser, the flavor stayed just as bright and delicious.
Extra Citrus Kick: Adding extra lemon zest (up to 3 teaspoons) really amps up the lemon flavor—I highly recommend it if you love citrus!
Yogurt Swap: For a tangier, denser texture, I replaced half the milk with Greek yogurt once, and it gave the bread a bit more moisture —pretty tasty!
Nutty Twist: Chopped almonds or walnuts stirred in add a lovely crunch and pair beautifully with the lemon and poppy seeds.

How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Citrus Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans and dust them with a bit of flour — this helps the bread pop out easily once baked. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds until evenly mixed. Having everything ready here makes the next steps smoother and ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment if you have one, beat the canola oil, milk, and 2 cups of sugar until combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract — this is where your kitchen starts smelling like summer, trust me! Mixing these ingredients well will create the base of your tender crumb and brighten the flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Carefully

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet batter, mixing just until combined. Here’s a key tip: don’t overmix! Overworking the batter can make the bread tough instead of light and tender. Use a spatula to gently fold in any leftover pockets of flour if you’re unsure.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Bake for about 50 minutes, but start checking around 45 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re done. If the tops are browning too quickly but the inside isn’t fully baked, tent some foil over the loaves to prevent burning while finishing the bake.

Step 5: Make and Pour the Citrus Glaze

While your bread cools in the pans for 10 minutes, whisk together the sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla, and melted butter for the glaze. Once the loaves are warm but not hot, invert them onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch drips and pour the glaze evenly over the top. This step seals in moisture and adds that beautiful citrus shine that everyone loves.

How to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Citrus Glaze Recipe

The image shows eight ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are five white bowls, each containing different ingredients: one filled with a mound of white flour, another with smooth white cream or sour cream, a third bowl with a fluffy pale yellow butter, the fourth contains a bright golden-yellow liquid, possibly melted butter or oil, and the last bowl has a small square of solid yellow butter sitting in a clear liquid, likely oil. Next to these are a small white bowl filled with tiny black seeds or poppy seeds, three light brown eggs, a bright yellow lemon, and a small white bowl of white granulated sugar. The arrangement is clean and well-lit, showing clear texture differences among the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra lemon zest over the top right after glazing — it adds a fresh burst of color and flavor. Sometimes I even toss on a few poppy seeds for decoration because why not? Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely, fragrant garnish if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee — my go-to combo for a cozy afternoon. For a brunch spread, I serve it alongside fresh fruit or a light cream cheese spread, which complements the lemon flavor beautifully without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like slicing the bread and arranging it on a pretty platter with edible flowers and fresh citrus slices. Wrapping individual slices in parchment and tying with twine also makes a charming gift — perfect for neighbors or friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover lemon poppy seed bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to three days. It stays moist but still has that gentle crust I love. After that, I move it to the fridge if I haven’t finished it, which keeps it good for about a week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the bread, slice it first, then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. I’ve found this works best for quick thawing. It’s a great way to enjoy this treat on your schedule without any waste.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the toaster oven or microwave for just a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked feel. Avoid overheating or the glaze might get sticky — just warm it enough to enjoy the soft texture and bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other oils instead of canola oil in this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Citrus Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! Vegetable oil or a mild olive oil works well as substitutes. Just choose oils with neutral flavors so they don’t overpower the lemony brightness of the bread.
How can I make the lemon flavor more intense?

If you’re craving more lemon zing, increase the lemon zest to 3 teaspoons and add a bit more lemon juice in the batter. Freshly grated zest from unwaxed lemons is key here — it adds the best aroma and flavor.
What should I do if my poppy seed bread browns too fast on top but isn’t fully baked inside?

Great question! Simply tent the top with foil halfway through baking. This protects the crust from burning while allowing the centers to cook through evenly.
Can I make this Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Citrus Glaze Recipe vegan?

While this recipe calls for eggs and dairy, you can experiment with plant-based milk and egg substitutes like flax eggs. It might slightly alter texture but still delivers great flavor with the citrus glaze.
How long does the glaze stay fresh?

The citrus glaze soaks into the bread within hours. It’s best eaten within a day or two for the freshest taste, but the glaze also helps keep the bread moist if stored wrapped.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Citrus Glaze Recipe holds a little place in my heart because it’s such a simple way to brighten any day. I’ve made it for rainy afternoons, breakfast with friends, and even casual potlucks where it never lasts long. Give it a try—you might find yourself reaching for this loaf whenever you want something sweet, fresh, and utterly comforting in your kitchen.