Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

Each bite of this Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf is bursting with bright citrus and nutty poppy seed flavor. Inspired by Starbucks lemon loaf, it's super moist and topped with a sweet lemon icing. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Prep Time20

Cook Time45

Total Time1 5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: lemon loaf, lemon loaf cake, starbucks lemon loaf

Servings: slices

Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE

1 cup granulated sugar
2 lemons both zested, 1 juiced
1/2 cup melted butter
1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 large eggs , room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 & 3/4 cups all purpose flour , spooned and leveled
1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

FOR THE ICING

2 to 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon melted butter
splash of milk
splash of vanilla
pinch of salt
lemon zest

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper with a slight overhang on the two longer sides for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, dump in the sugar and lemon zest. Using your fingers, rub the zest and sugar together (this helps release the oil in the zest to infuse a really great lemon flavor in the sugar.)
Add to the bowl the melted butter; blend with an electric mixer just until combined. Add in the vanilla and eggs, one at a time. Beat until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add in the lemon juice, sour cream, and poppy seeds - blend again just until incorporated.
Switch to a spatula and add in the flour, baking powder, and salt - fold it all together, making sure not to over mix.
Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan in an even layer and smooth out the top.
Transfer to the oven on the middle rack and bake for 45 minutes or until a tester in the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool COMPLETELY and then apply the glaze. (Make certain the loaf cake is fully cooled before applying the icing or it will just melt.)
Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, melted butter, splash of milk, splash of vanilla, a pinch of salt, and some lemon zest - adjust to desired consistency. Then pour over the loaf cake, letting it fall down the sides.
Let the glaze set, then slice and serve.

Nutrition