Moist Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf
This Moist Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf is soft, tender, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. Made with certified gluten-free ingredients and topped with a simple lemon glaze, this easy quick bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Every slice is moist, fluffy, and completely gluten-free, making it a delicious treat for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Gluten-Free Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
- For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl whisk together the sugar, eggs, melted butter, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until no dry flour remains. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in lemon zest if desired.
- Finish: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf. Allow it to set for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Always use certified gluten-free ingredients to avoid cross-contamination. Do not overmix the batter, as gluten-free baked goods stay softer with gentle mixing. Let the loaf cool completely before slicing for the best texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.