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Lydia's Lemon Poppyseed Loaf

Lydia's Lemon Poppyseed Loaf

Jun 21, 2025

This lemon poppyseed loaf is great for lunches. Today slices were taken to, and gobbled up at kindy, school, and work. When serving for dessert we like to add lemon curd and or yoghurt or cream. Whenever you have the opportunity, add fresh finger limes to these condiments. It enhances the lemon flavour.

Ingredients:

For the loaf

  • 1 ¾ cups (225g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (175g) high quality butter, softened at room temperature (NOT MELTED)*
  • ¾ cup (165g) sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice (we suggest 3 tbs for a stronger lemon flavour)
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 2 Tablespoons poppy seeds
  • ¾ cup (175 ml) milk

For the lemon glaze (optional):

  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 teaspoons milk

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease the bottom and the sides of a 23×13 cm loaf pan with melted butter or vegetable oil. Set aside.

  1. Sift flour in a medium size bowl. Add baking powder, salt, and mix well. Set aside.
  2. Cream softened butter (NOT MELTED) and sugar until pale and fluffy.
  3. Slowly add the beaten eggs to the mixer, one at a time. Add the lemon juice, zest and poppy seeds.
  4. Keep the mixer running on low speed and pour in half the milk with half of the flour mixture.
  5. Mix until all ingredients are combined, then slowly add the remaining milk and flour, and beat until combined.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean (remember that every oven is different and baking times may vary).
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.
  8. When the cake is cooled, make the icing. Start with adding 1 Tablespoon lemon juice to the powdered sugar then add milk, adjusting quantity if needed. The icing should be thick and not too runny.
  9. Spoon icing over the cake and let harden before serving.

Note: This loaf is not normally this dense. My scales weren't working well when I made this loaf (pictured) and I added too much butter. Don't let this put you off. It is lovely.

Photo Below: Lemon Poppyseed Loaf, Early Grey Tea with Lemon, Yoghurt with Brown Finger Lime pearls.