• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Billi's Kitchen
  • Recipes
  • Spices & Spreads
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Categories
  • Stir Fry
  • Air Fry
  • Policy
  • Subscribe!
  • Copyright
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Categories
    • Stir Fry
    • Air Fry
    • Policy
    • Subscribe!
    • Copyright
    • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Cakes

    Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

    Published: Aug 27, 2022 · Updated: Aug 27, 2022 by Neriz · This post contains some affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    If you’re a fan of poppy seeds, you need to try this Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf!  A soft and delicious cake topped with thin lemon icing for a more lemony bite --- try it for your next afternoon snack!

    An overhead shot of two slices of poppy seed cake, served with coffee.

    You certainly do not need to use a cake mix for this delicious loaf.  Nope, making a lemon poppy seed loaf from scratch is easy.  

    So, if you are a beginner, don’t be wary --- it’s an excellent cake recipe to start with.

    No complicated steps, ingredients, or timings.  Just a delicious serving (or two) for everyone to enjoy --- any time of the day.

    IF YOU WANT MORE EASY CAKE RECIPES, YOU WILL LIKE THESE POSTS!

    • Feature image for easy orange pound cake, showing the inside to highlight the softness of the cake.
      Easy Orange Pound Cake
    • Feature image for Easy Lemon Ricotta Cake showing a slice of the soft cake.
      Easy Lemon Ricotta Cake

    Ingredients

    All the ingredients you need to make lemon poppy seed loaf at home.
    • Butter - I generally use unsalted butter for preparing this lemon poppy seed loaf. 
    • Poppy seeds - you only need them for the cake batter.
    • Sugar - granulated white sugar will be great.
    • Flour - all-purpose flour is all you need for this lemon poppy seed loaf recipe.
    • Baking powder - just use your favorite brand.
    • Lemon - you need the zest and the juice of one lemon.
    • Eggs - medium-sized (63 to 73 grams/piece), room temperature, and separated.
    • Honey - make sure you use mild-flavored honey.
    • Milk - you would need buttermilk for this poppy seed loaf recipe.
    • Powdered sugar - for the (optional) syrupy lemon icing on the cake.
    Newly sliced lemon poppy seed loaf, ready for serving.

    Preparation

    Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F), greasing a loaf pan with butter, and dusting it with a bit of flour.  Set aside.

    Use a strainer to sift flour and baking powder in a medium bowl (photo 1).

    First step in a colllage of images showing how to make poppy seed loaf.

    Add the poppy seeds, then mix all the dry ingredients (photo 2).

    Using a large mixing bowl, combine butter with sugar, then mix until it’s creamy.

    Add the yolk, honey, lemon zest, and buttermilk (photo 3).

    Continue mixing until everything is evenly combined.

    Second part of a collage of images showing the steps of preparing poppy seed cake at home.

    Add the strained dry ingredients --- flour, baking powder, and poppy seeds (photo 4).

    Mix until just combined, then set cake batter aside.

    Using a separate bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks.

    Add a third of the beaten egg whites into the batter (photo 5).

    Fold gently to combine, then add the remaining egg whites in batches.

    Third part of a collage of images showing the process of preparing poppy seeds cake at home.

    Do not overmix; just enough to combine the whites with the rest of the ingredients.

    Pour the batter into the greased tin pan (photo 6).

    Tap the pan gently on the counter to get rid of bubbles.

    Place the pan in the lower part of the oven for thirty-five to forty minutes --- or until a toothpick comes out dry when you stick it in the loaf.

    Take your poppy seed loaf out of the oven and set it aside to cool.

    Start with the icing by combining the powdered sugar with the lemon juice (photo 7).

    Last part of a collage of images to show how to make lemon poppy seed cake.

    Mix until the sugar has completely dissolved.

    Pour the thin lemon icing on the cooled cake (photo 8).

    Your lemon poppy loaf is now ready for slicing and serving!

    An overhead shot of lemon poppy seed loaf, fresh out of the oven.

    Helpful tips

    • Make sure the eggs are at room temperature.  

    So, if you’re keeping them in the refrigerator, take them out an hour earlier.

    • Note that the lemon icing is very thin, so pouring it on the entire loaf is easier than spreading with a spatula.
    • Check that the loaf is no longer warm before pouring the lemon icing on top.  
    A closer shot of slices of lemon poppy seed loaf, highlighting the texture of the cake.

    FAQs

    Can I skip the lemon icing?

    Yes, it's totally optional to pour the icing.

    The sweetness in the loaf itself is already balanced, so it’s excellent even without the lemon icing.

    Can I use a round cake pan?

    An 8-inch or 9-inch round pan will work.

    But remember that the bigger the pan, the thinner the cake.

    Looks so tempting, right?  Give this poppy seed cake a try this weekend and let me know!

    Happy cooking!

    Latest Name Signature.

    IF YOU WANT MORE IDEAS FOR EASY DESSERTS, YOU WILL LIKE THESE POSTS!

    • Feature image for simple blueberry clafoutis, showing one in a pie dish, ready for slicing.
      Simple Blueberry Clafoutis
    • An overhead shot of fresh pear cake, with a slice ready for serving, sprinkled with powdered sugar.
      Rustic Almond Pear Cake
    An overhead shot of two slices of poppy seed cake, served with coffee.

    Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Recipe

    If you’re a fan of poppy seeds, you need to try this Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf!  A soft and delicious cake topped with thin lemon icing for a more lemony bite --- try it for your next afternoon snack!
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 235kcal
    Author: Neriz

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups
    • Measuring spoons
    • Hand mixer
    • 2-lb Loaf Pan
    • Cooling rack
    • Metal whisk
    • Rubber spatula

    Ingredients

    • 1 stick + 1 tbsp butter (125 grams), unsalted and softened
    • 3/4 cup sugar
    • 1 & 2/3 cups flour
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • 3 tbsp poppy seeds
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • 1 tbsp honey
    • 1 lemon, grated zest
    • 1 medium egg yolk
    • 4 medium egg whites

    Icing:

    • 1/3 cup powdered sugar, heaping
    • 4 tsp lemon juice
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F), greasing a 2-lb loaf pan with butter, and dusting it with a bit of flour.  Set loaf pan aside.
    • Use a strainer to sift flour and baking powder into a medium bowl.
    • Add the poppy seeds, then mix.
    • Using a large mixing bowl, combine butter with sugar, then mix until it’s creamy.
    • Add the yolk, honey, lemon zest, and milk, then continue mixing to combine evenly.
    • Add the dry ingredients from earlier --- flour, baking powder, and poppy seeds.
    • Mix until just combined, then set batter aside.
    • Beat the egg whites until you get stiff peaks.
    • Add 1/3 of the beaten egg whites into the batter and fold gently to combine.
    • Add the remaining egg whites in batches; do not overmix, but just enough to combine the whites with the rest.
    • Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan.
    • Tap the pan gently on the counter to get rid of bubbles.
    • Place the pan in the lower part of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes; or until a toothpick comes out dry when you stick it in the cake.
    • Take your poppy seed loaf out of the oven and set it aside to cool.
    • Prepare the icing by combining the powdered sugar with the lemon juice and mix until you get a thin texture.
    • Pour the lemon icing on the cooled cake.
    • Your lemon poppy seed loaf is now ready for slicing and serving --- enjoy!

    Notes

    • Cook’s Tip #1:  Remember to use eggs at room temperature.  Take them out of the refrigerator earlier if that’s where you keep them.
    • Cook’s Tip #2:  Note that the lemon icing is very thin, so it’s easy to pour it on the entire loaf instead of spreading with a spatula.
    • Cook’s Tip #3:  Ensure the loaf is no longer warm before adding the lemon icing.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 165mg | Potassium: 73mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 315IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 1mg

    More Cake Recipes for Beginners

    • Feature image for Olive Oil Carrot Cake, showing a slice of it on a plate, with crushed walnuts on top.
      Olive Oil Carrot Cake
    • Feature image for Apple sheet cake, showing some slices that are ready for serving.
      Easy Apple Sheet Cake
    • An overhead shot of a chocolate walnut butter cake, ready to be sliced, with walnuts scattered around it.
      Chocolate Walnut Butter Cake
    • An overhead shot of a delicious olive oil cake, dusted with powdered sugar.
      Easy Olive Oil Cake

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Preferred AboutMe 2020

    WELCOME TO MY KITCHEN!

    Expect to find tons of easy and quick-to-prepare recipes in here, all ending up the same way --- a delicious serving on a plate.

    So, feel free to take a look around and pick some favorites.

    Learn more about me

    FAVORITES

    • Feature image for Thin-Sliced Pork Belly Stir Fry showing it served with white rice, garnished with spring onions.
      Thin-Sliced Pork Belly Stir Fry
    • Feature image for easy orange pound cake, showing the inside to highlight the softness of the cake.
      Easy Orange Pound Cake
    • Feature image for crispy air fryer gnocchi, highlighting the dried herbs and grated cheese.
      Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi
    • Latest (Apr23) feature image for Easy Ham Fried Rice, showing it served on a plate.
      Easy Ham Fried Rice
    • Feature image for baked meatballs in tomato sauce showing it in a pan, ready for serving.
      Baked Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
    • Feature image for Italian Sausage with Vegetables, showing the dish in a bowl with some crunchy bread.
      Italian Sausage Stew with Vegetables
    • An overhead shot of slices of mushroom tart on a plate, with some shredded cheese and fresh parsley on top; cremini mushrooms are next to the plate.
      Mushroom Tart with Puff Pastry
    • Feature image for one pan chicken with cherry tomatoes, served with some toasted bread.
      Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes (One Pan!)

    BREAKFAST IDEAS

    • Feature image for rice flour pancakes, showing a stack of them, with almond slices on top.
      Easy Rice Flour Pancakes
    • Latest feature image for lemon muffins with yogurt, fresh from the oven.
      Easy Lemon Muffins
    • Feature image for Easy Cinnamon Muffins showing them on a cooling rack.
      Easy Cinnamon Muffins
    • An overhead shot of slices of date and nut bread on a cooling rack.
      Spiced Date Nut Bread

    PASTA DISHES

    • Feature image for Italian sausage and peppers pasta, showing the dish on a plate, topped with grated cheese and fresh basil.
      Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta
    • An overhead shot of a serving of creamy mascarpone pasta, topped with grated cheese and fresh parsley.
      15-Minute Tomato and Mascarpone Pasta
    • Feature image for Pasta with Ham and Peas, showing it on a plate, with grated cheese and black pepper as garnish.
      Pasta with Ham and Peas
    • Latest featured image for Pancetta pasta with tomatoes, showing a serving of the dish.
      Pancetta Pasta with Tomatoes (25-Minute Meal!)
    • Latest (Apr23) feature image of spicy Italian sausage pasta showing the dish served on a plate.
      Creamy & Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
    • An overhead shot of a serving of pasta with mushrooms and asparagus, with fresh button mushrooms in the background.
      Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Pasta
    • Feature image for Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta showing a serving of the dish.
      Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta

    Footer

    Policy

    • Privacy Policy

    Contact

    • About Me

    Copyright

    • Notes on Copyright

    A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM.

    Copyright © 2023 . BILLI'S KITCHEN

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT