A moist lemon loaf speckled with poppyseeds
I have a complicated relationship with reading.
In fourth grade, I struggled with phonics. With my mom’s help, I eventually got it.
Then in middle school, I read like crazy, but not really because I liked to. I was always trying to rack up AR points (a reading comprehension test system) and I was on the Battle of the Books team.
In high school and college, the trend continued. Books for assignment, not enjoyment. Yes, occasionally I fit some chick lit in, but very rarely.
Just a few months ago, I finally reignited my love for reading. I’m trying to read at least one book a month.
Do you enjoy to read? Do you have any book recommendations?
When reading a good book, it’s always important to have a delicious snack. This Lemon Poppyseed is the perfect accompaniment. It is moist, delicious and perfect for spring.
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all purpose flour
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 5 oz vanilla soy yogurt
- 1 cup cashew milk
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 3/4 cup canola oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- Zest of 3 lemons
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan and muffin tin.
- In a medium bowl, combine, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, milk, lemon juice, oil and extract. Fold dry into wet and mix until most lumps are eliminated. Fold in poppy seeds and lemon zest. Divide batter into loaf pan until three quarters full. Divide rest of batter among muffin tins - makes about 6 muffins.
- Bake loaf for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Bake muffins 15-18 minutes. Allow to cool in pan for about 30 minutes. Then carefully remove from pan, transfer to wire rack and allow to cool completely.
- Place zest and powdered sugar in small bowl. Whisk in boiling water until smooth. Spread over loaf.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I love reading and always try to relax at night with a book. Easier said than done, but I’ve always been a bookworm! I’ve recently started reading Liane Moriarty books…she is such a good author! I highly recommend starting with “The Husband’s Secret.” Such a good book! This lemon loaf looks SO good, Megan! I love the glaze on top. Just perfect for spring!
Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction says
I love lemon loaves! This looks absolutely delicious, I love the glaze!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I LOVE reading, but have been struggling for the last 2 years to get back to where I once was! I’ve been doing better the past few months though! It feels so good to finish and start a new book!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I love reading, but recently have been struggling to find the time. One of my favorite authors is James Patterson, so I recommend anything by him. Love this loaf, Megan! Poppy seed anything makes me swoon, but it paired with lemon in a Carb-a-licious loaf sounds amazing! Perfect for Spring! Cheers, girlfriend!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I agree! This loaf is the perfect snack for a delicious book Megan! I’m a huge fan of reading. Mystery books are my favorite, but I really read all types of books! Thanks for sharing!
Mir says
You’re talking to an English teacher here, so I have strong thoughts about this topic. 🙂 But seriously, I had more problems with reading for assignments. I always wanted to read for leisure (and still do), but I didn’t want to do my HW. I’m glad you’ve rediscovered your love of reading for fun!
And this loaf cake is the perfect snack to read to! Love the zest!
demeter | beaming baker says
I’m so happy to hear that your reintroducing a love for reading in your life. 🙂 All of those assignments and teams sure would turn a lot of people off… I love books a lot, A LOT myself… but my recommendations would be all over the place. Hehe. In any case, any book would be super enjoyable with two, maybe seven (ahem) slices of your delicious lemon poppyseed loaf. 🙂
Blair says
Nothing says “spring” like a loaf of lemon bread! This looks wonderful!
I’ve been reading a lot lately too, and I just finished the book “Brooklyn” (that the movie was based on). It was great!!!
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
I love reading (I’m a book editor when I am not blogging so I’m biased) – I am currently reading THE NEST and loving it. All I need is a slice of lemon bread and a cup of tea to go with it!
Manali@CookWithManali says
I used to read a lot but these days it’s just not happening. Need to get back on track. The loaf sounds wonderful, so perfect for spring!
marcie says
I used to read books so much when I was younger, then as I got older I just kind of stopped. A few years ago I picked it back up and love it all over again. 🙂 I would love a big slice of this while reading tonight — I love lemon poppyseed loaf!
Eva @ Eva Bakes says
I am crazy for lemon flavored baked goods. I’ve made lemon poppyseed muffins but not a loaf bread yet. This looks absolutely perfect!
Ashley@CookNourishBliss says
I definitely enjoy reading but can never seem to really find the time! I need to be more intentional about it…
And this lemon loaf sounds awesome! I love poppy seeds in baked goodies!
Jessica @ Sweetest Menu says
Megan, this loaf is so beautiful! You can see how light and fluffy it is! And love that icing too. I love to read but haven’t got my hands on any good books lately!
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen says
This loaf looks incredibly beautiful! And I LOVE reading! Not as often as I want to, but still love it.
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
I like to read but find it hard to find the time, I hate to admit it but the TV always wins. But when I do I agree that a good snack is essential! This lemon poppyseed loaf would be superb while reading with a cup of tea or coffee. Great recipe! Take care.
aimee @ like mother like daughter says
Lemon and poppyseed are a combo that is just meant to be! This sweet bread looks amazing!
Liz says
Such a gorgeous loaf! Perfect for breakfast, dessert and all day long snacking!!! Here is a link to the books my book club has read over the past 20 years: http://tri-bbooklist.blogspot.com/2009/06/how-to-make-american-quilt-whitney-otto.html (they’re rated on a scale of 0-10, with 10 being the highest).
David @ Spiced says
Oh man, this Lemon Poppyseed bread looks like the perfect snack while reading a good book! That glaze…but books. Hmmm. I second Chey’s comment about James Patterson. I am starting to wrap up the Game of Thrones books, and they’ve been great if you’re into that sorta thing. What else? I’ve heard Gone Girl is a good read (the movie was excellent…and books are usually better) and Sherlock Holmes is a good one if you’re into classic literature a bit. Thanks for yummy lemon poppyseed thoughts!
Serena @ Serena's Kitchen says
That lemon poppyseed loaf looks so yummy! Especially that glaze!
Lynn @ Fresh April Flours says
Love love loveeeeee lemon poppy seed ANYTHING. My lemon poppy seed biscotti are one of my favorite treats to whip up. But bread? I fear I would eat it all myself. In one sitting! Forget about if there’s a book involved– then it would DEFINITELY all go in my belly!! I’m not a huge reader either, but I am currently reading a breast feeding book! Does that count?! 🙂
Lisa @ Chocolate Meets Strawberry says
I’m most definitely a reader, and always have been, although during high school it felt like more of a chore than anything. Nowadays I love to read for pleasure, mostly on the weekends because that’s when I have time. I’ve just finished off ‘Anna Karenina’ and oh boy was it long! I think next time I’ll stick to something MUCH shorter 😉 This lemon loaf looks lovely Megan – most definitely the perfect accompaniment to a good page-turner! 🙂