Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

This bread is so easy to make from scratch, and it has a delicious lemon and poppy seed flavor. Whether you are wanting a fast snack for breakfast or if you're having lunch with friends, this recipe is sure to please. It is also a good gift to give to your friend or a new neighbor that just moved in.

Ingredients

3 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 to 3 Tbs. poppy seeds
2 1/4 c. sugar
1 1/4 c. milk
1 c. oil
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 c. lemon juice ** See Notes below
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp. lemon extract

Syrup Glaze

1/4 c. orange juice or lemon juice
3/4 c. sugar
1/2  tsp. lemon extract

Frosting Glaze

1 1/4 c. powdered sugar
1 1/2 Tbs. water
1/2 tsp. lemon extract

Directions

Heat oven to 350°. Grease two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, poppy seeds, and sugar.  Whisk the ingredients together to make the flour lighter.

Form a well in the center. Add the milk, oil, eggs lemon juice,  vanilla extract and lemon extract.  Mix for about a minute, or until the batter is smooth. 

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans.  Try to get them divided as evenly as possible.

As the bread bakes, mix the syrup glaze. 

In a bowl, combine orange juice or lemon juice, sugar and lemon extract.  Mix well until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.

Bake the lemon poppy seed loaves for 50 to 55 minutes, or until done. Test the bread by inserting a toothpick in the center of the loaves. If it comes out clean, then your lemon poppy seed bread is done. 

Cool the bread in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans. Place the bread on a cooling rack. 

While the loaves are still hot, poke holes in the top with a toothpick.

Pour the orange or lemon syrup over the top. Set aside to cool completely.

When the bread is cool, make the frosting glaze. 

Combine powdered sugar, water, and lemon extract. Pour and smooth the glaze over the top of the loaves.

Notes

You can up the lemon juice to 1/2 cup. Just replace it for a 1/4 cup of the milk if you do that.

Add more or less poppy seeds depending on your preferences.