Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread

Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread is a delightful treat that combines the fresh taste of lemon with the moistness of zucchini. This unique bread is not just a great way to use up surplus zucchini but also offers an incredible balance of flavors and textures. The bright lemon flavor stands out beautifully against the soft texture of the bread, while the poppy seeds add a little crunch. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe is sure to please everyone in your family.

Baking this bread is an easy task that requires simple, everyday ingredients. In just a little over an hour, you will have a loaf of deliciousness that you can warm up or enjoy cold. Whether you are a baking novice or a seasoned pro, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow. Let us guide you on how to create this delightful Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread!

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to love Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread. First, it is incredibly moist thanks to the zucchini, which helps keep the bread tender without being overly oily. The lemon adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that makes this bread feel light and invigorating.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also provides an excellent opportunity to sneak in some vegetables. Zucchini is rich in vitamins and fiber, making this bread a bit healthier than traditional sweet breads. If you have a garden or access to fresh zucchini, this recipe offers a perfect way to use up those extra zucchinis you may have on hand.

Additionally, the process of making this bread is simple enough for novice bakers to try. All you need is a good mixing bowl and a loaf pan. The preparation doesn’t take much time, making it a great option for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.

Let’s also not forget the element of sharing! Bringing a loaf of Zucchini Bread to a potluck or neighborhood gathering is an excellent way to share your baking skills and delight others with this tasty treat.

How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread

To make this delicious Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread, you will need to gather your ingredients and prepare yourself for a fun baking experience. Below are the ingredients and directions you will need to create your very own loaf.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp lemon zest (zest from 1 large lemon)
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups lightly packed shredded zucchini
• 3 Tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice (or a mixture of lemon juice and milk or cream to thin)

Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 loaf pan. To make removing the bread easier once baked, line the pan with parchment paper. This step is not mandatory, but highly recommended.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, vegetable oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and granulated sugar. Use a whisk to combine these ingredients well.

3. Add Dry Ingredients
   Next, whisk in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are mixed well.

4. Incorporate Flour
   Carefully fold in the all-purpose flour. Mix just until everything is combined. You want to ensure there are no pockets of dry flour left, but be cautious not to overmix at this stage.

5. Add Zucchini and Poppy Seeds
   Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and poppy seeds until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Pour into Loaf Pan
   Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top a bit to ensure it is evenly distributed.

7. Bake the Bread
   Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. The bread will rise, turn golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.

8. Cool the Bread
   Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After this time, remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a baking rack.

9. Make the Glaze
   To prepare the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until it is pourable but has a thick consistency. You can play around with the tartness by using all lemon juice or combining lemon juice with a little milk or cream.

10. Glaze the Bread
    Once the bread is cool, pour the glaze on top. Use the back of a spoon or a butter knife to spread it nicely over the surface. Allow the glaze to harden before slicing.

How to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread

Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread is great for any time of day. Here are a few ideas on how you can serve this delightful bread:

• Breakfast: Serve a slice with a little butter or cream cheese for a delicious start to your day.
• Snack: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon.
• Dessert: Top slices with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert option.
• Special Occasions: This bread makes a lovely gift or treat for gatherings, birthdays, or holidays. Present it on a nice plate to impress your guests.

How to Store Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread

To keep your Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread fresh, store it properly. Here’s how:

• At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a cool, dry area. This keeps it moist and flavorful.

• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

• Freezing: If you want to keep the bread for even longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread turns out perfectly:

1. Choose Tender Zucchini: Select young zucchinis that are firm and green. Avoid those that are soft or have blemishes.

2. Shred Zucchini Properly: Shred the zucchini using the large holes on a box grater for the ideal texture in the bread.

3. Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients for consistency in your batter.

4. Do Not Overmix: When incorporating the flour, mix until just combined to avoid a tough loaf.

5. Test for Doneness: Every oven is a bit different. Use a toothpick or cake tester to make sure your bread is baked perfectly.

Variation

You can easily personalize your Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread. Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Nut Additions: Add walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Other Zest Options: Experiment with lime zest for a different citrus twist, or mix lemon and orange zest for a more complex flavor.
• Dried Fruits: Consider adding dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

Yes! If you have frozen zucchini, you can use it directly in the recipe. Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the batter.

2. Can I substitute oil for something healthier?

Yes, you can use applesauce or melted coconut oil as alternatives to vegetable oil. This may slightly change the flavor but will still work well in the recipe.

3. What if I don’t have poppy seeds?

If you do not have poppy seeds, you can either leave them out or substitute with chia seeds. They will add a similar texture without altering the flavor significantly.

4. How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the bread is done baking. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time.

5. Can I add frosting on top?

Yes! For a sweeter treat, consider spreading cream cheese frosting on top instead of the glaze. This adds a rich flavor and creaminess to each slice.

With a bit of time and these straightforward steps, you will be able to create a delightful Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread that everyone will adore. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcomes!

Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread

A delightful treat that combines fresh lemon flavor with moist zucchini and a little crunch from poppy seeds, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp lemon zest (zest from 1 large lemon)
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients

• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Additional Ingredients

• 2 cups lightly packed shredded zucchini
• 3 Tbsp poppy seeds

For the Glaze

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice (or a mixture of lemon juice and milk or cream to thin)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and granulated sugar. Whisk well.

Mixing

1. Whisk in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
2. Fold in the all-purpose flour carefully, mixing just until combined.
3. Gently fold in the shredded zucchini and poppy seeds until evenly distributed.

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a baking rack to cool completely.

Glazing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until pourable. Adjust consistency with more lemon juice or a little milk if necessary.
2. Once the bread is cool, pour the glaze over the top and spread it evenly. Allow it to harden before slicing.

Notes

Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to a few days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.