Lemon poppy seed bread is a delightful treat, loved for its bright citrus flavor and delicate poppy seed crunch. But who has time for a long, complicated baking process? This recipe leverages the convenience of cake mix to create a moist and flavorful lemon poppy seed bread in a fraction of the time. This method is perfect for busy bakers who still crave homemade goodness.
What Cake Mix Should I Use?
This recipe works best with a classic yellow cake mix. The subtle sweetness of a yellow cake provides a perfect base for the vibrant lemon flavor. While you could experiment with other cake mixes, yellow offers the most balanced outcome.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (any kind works)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- Optional: 1/2 cup lemon curd or glaze for extra lemon flavor
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This step ensures your bread easily releases from the pan once baked.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. This creates the base for your moist and flavorful bread.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the cake mix and poppy seeds to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
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Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it towards the end.
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Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy! For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider topping with lemon curd or a simple lemon glaze.
How Long Does Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Last?
Properly stored, your lemon poppy seed bread should last for 3-4 days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Can I Make Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins Instead of Bread?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be adapted to make muffins. Simply fill greased muffin tins about 2/3 full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What if My Cake Mix is Different Than Yellow?
While yellow cake mix is recommended for its balanced sweetness, you can experiment with other varieties. A white cake mix would also likely work well, though you may want to add a little extra lemon flavor to compensate. Chocolate cake mix would be a drastically different flavor profile, however, so it's not recommended for this specific recipe unless you're seeking a unique twist!
How Do I Make a Lemon Glaze for My Bread?
A simple lemon glaze is easy to make. Combine powdered sugar with lemon juice, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You can add a touch of lemon zest for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Is it Necessary to Use Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice?
While bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, freshly squeezed lemon juice offers a superior flavor and aroma. The zest from the lemon also adds a delightful touch, contributing both flavor and visual appeal.
This easy lemon poppy seed bread recipe is perfect for novice bakers and experienced ones alike. Enjoy the delicious results!
