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Lemon Poppy Seed Recipe

Lemon Poppy Seed Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-50 minutes (depending on pan size)
  • Total Time: 45-65 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 servings (for muffins), 8-10 servings (for cake/loaf) 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A light, refreshing treat with a perfect balance of tangy lemon and the delightful crunch of poppy seeds. Whether you’re baking a cake, muffins, or a loaf, this simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.


Ingredients

Units Scale

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup butter (softened)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line your baking pan (loaf pan, cake pan, or muffin tin) with parchment paper.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then, mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes for muffins or 45-50 minutes for loaf/cake. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let your baked goods cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Lemon zest: Be sure to use only the yellow part of the lemon peel for zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
  • Make it extra moist: Add a simple lemon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice for a quick glaze.
  • Don’t overmix: Stir until ingredients are just combined to avoid a dense texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg