Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread

If you’re looking for a deliciously moist and refreshing twist on classic zucchini bread, this Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread is the perfect choice! The bright, zesty lemon pairs beautifully with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds and the moistness of grated zucchini. It’s a flavorful, sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for using up that extra zucchini from your garden!

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist & Flavorful – The zucchini keeps the bread incredibly moist, while the lemon adds a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, this bread comes together in no time.
• Light & Fresh – The combination of lemon and poppy seeds gives a fresh and light flavor, perfect for any time of the day.
• Great for All Occasions – This bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert. It’s a great way to enjoy zucchini in a sweet, unexpected way!
• Customizable – You can adjust the sweetness or even add nuts for extra texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Grater for zucchini
• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, poppy seeds, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Add the Zucchini

1. Grate the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor, then squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
2. Stir the grated zucchini into the wet mixture until combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
2. If you’re using walnuts or pecans, fold them into the batter at this stage.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
3. If the bread is browning too quickly on top, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice and serve once cooled, or store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread

• Squeeze the Zucchini – Make sure to remove excess moisture from the zucchini before adding it to the batter to avoid a soggy loaf.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense bread.
• Add a Glaze – If you want to make this bread even more special, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top after baking. Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to your desired consistency, then drizzle over the cooled bread.
• Freeze for Later – This bread freezes well! Slice it and wrap it in plastic wrap before storing it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

• With Butter – A slice of this bread with a pat of butter is a delightful breakfast or snack.
• As a Dessert – This bread can easily double as a light dessert, especially when paired with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Top with Fresh Fruit – Serve with a side of fresh berries for added flavor and texture.
• Serve with Yogurt – Pair it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a satisfying breakfast or snack.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Keep your Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, though the bread may lose some of its moistness in the fridge.

Reheating:

• If you want to enjoy the bread warm, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free.
2. Can I use frozen zucchini?
   • Yes! You can use frozen zucchini, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
   • Yes, you can reduce the sugar by using a sugar substitute, or you can try using less sugar to taste. Keep in mind that reducing sugar may affect the texture and sweetness of the bread.
4. Can I add other flavors to the bread?
   • Absolutely! You can add other spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or even add blueberries or cranberries for a fruity twist.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread is a perfect blend of fresh citrus and warm, comforting flavors. The addition of zucchini keeps it moist, while the lemon and poppy seeds add a delightful zing and crunch. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or as a treat for yourself, this bread is sure to be a hit!

Try it out for your next baking adventure and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest or in the comments—I’d love to see how your loaf looks!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 55-65 minutes

Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 180 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 7g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 150mg

Print