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Moist Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Recipe with Easy Sweet Cream Cheese Glaze

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A tender lemon poppy seed loaf with a subtle zing of lemon and delightful crunch from poppy seeds, topped with a creamy, sweet cream cheese glaze. Perfect for brunch or afternoon tea, this quick and easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and delivers a moist, flavorful treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds
  • Zest from 2 large lemons
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) sour cream (can substitute Greek yogurt)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Sweet Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Mix in the sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, folding gently just until no streaks remain.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, starting to check at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. To prepare the glaze, whip the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a teaspoon of milk or lemon juice if needed to reach drizzling consistency.
  11. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf and let it set for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid a tough loaf. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. Room temperature eggs and butter help create a lighter texture. Cool the loaf completely before glazing to prevent a sticky mess. Adjust glaze consistency with milk or lemon juice if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon poppy seed loaf, lemon cake, sweet cream cheese glaze, easy lemon loaf, moist lemon cake, brunch dessert, poppy seed cake

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/moist-lemon-poppy-seed-loaf-recipe-with-easy-sweet-cream-cheese-glaze/