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Three slices of lemon cake on a white plate with a bite cut on a fork.
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Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake

Course Sweets & Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 12 slices
Calories 196kcal
Author Kristine Underwood

Ingredients

For the loaf
  • 1 1/2 cups flour (all-purpose)
  • 1 TBS poppy seeds (heaping)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 TBS lemon zest
  • 2 TBS lemon juice (fresh-squeezed)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (may substitute milk, any kind)
For the lemon glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp lemon juice (fresh-squeezed)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper (or just grease it well).
  • In a medium size bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and sea salt.
  • In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined. Then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  • Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk (or milk), mixing until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake 45-50 minutes until the top is very lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top will often crack open during baking.
  • Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • While the loaf is cooling whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice together until smooth. Drizzle over the top of the loaf once cooled. Allow the glaze to set up for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
  • Store loaf in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
  • Fresh lemon zest provides the strongest citrus flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter or the loaf can become dense.
  • The loaf tastes even better the next day once the lemon flavor deepens as it sits.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 slice | Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 155mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 293IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg