Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Poppy Seed Bread in the Sunshine

Inspired by the giant Costco poppy seed muffins I made a loaf of lemon poppy seed bread! This bread version was a lot more lemon-y than the muffins, but still very tasty. The batter came together quickly and then baked for about an hour. After it was done baking I poured a lemon-sugar syrup over the bread and after it was cooled I wrapped it in plastic wrap. Then it sat overnight so the syrup could soak in.

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
adapted from Joy of Baking

Ingredients:
3 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp grated lemon zest
3 tbsp poppy seeds
12 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and place the oven rack in the center of the oven. Spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla extract, and milk.
3. In the bowl of your electric mixer mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, lemon zest and poppy seeds until combined.
4. Add the softened butter and half of the egg mixture and mix on low speed until moist. Increase the speed to medium and beat for one minute.
5. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the remaining egg mixture and mix for 30 seconds.
6. Pour the batter into the pan.
7. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. If the top of the bread is getting too brown during baking, cover with aluminum foil.
8. When bread is done, remove and cool on a wire rack. Poke holes in the top of the hot loaf and brush or spoon half of the lemon syrup over the top. Cool the bread for 5 minutes and then turn it out upside down. Brush/spoon the rest of the syrup over the bottom and sides of the bread. Set bread upright and let cool completely. Wrap in plastic wrap and let the bread sit overnight before slicing.

Lemon Syrup

Ingredients:

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup granulated white sugar

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and lemon juice to a boil and stir until all the sugar dissolves.