This Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is a moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced sweet loaf with bright citrus notes and a subtle crunch from poppy seeds. Made with a gluten-free flour blend, Greek yogurt, and fresh lemon juice, it’s light, fluffy, and easy to prepare. Whether enjoyed plain, with a glaze, or paired with coffee or tea, this loaf is a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, Greek yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding glaze.
Step 7: Prepare the Lemon Glaze (Optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.
Step 8: Glaze & Serve
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Flour Choice: A 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with xanthan gum works best. Avoid single-ingredient flours like almond or coconut alone.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter.
Muffin Variation: Divide batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.