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Zesty Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf: The Perfect Sunny Bake

Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

Okay, let's get cooking! This recipe, my friends, is not just a meal; it's a little slice of happy, a big hug in a bowl, if you will. I'm talking about a Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf that tastes so good, you'd never guess it's missing the gluten. Now, I've always been a sucker for lemon – it's bright, it's cheerful, and it just has a way of making everything feel a little more…sunny. For years I had to miss out on these kind of bread recipes until I learned to create my own that tastes just as good.

I'll never forget the first time I made this loaf. My kitchen smelled absolutely divine, kind of like a lemon grove had decided to set up camp on my countertop. And the first bite? Heavenly. Light, fluffy, with that perfect balance of tart lemon and sweet, nutty poppy seeds. It just became my go-to for everything – afternoon tea, a quick breakfast, a little pick-me-up on a gloomy day. And honestly, it's been my mission to make gluten-free baking less of a chore and more of a joyful experience. So, let's dive into it, shall we?

Gluten-free lemon poppy seed loaf on a rack, sunny kitchen.

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Recipe Card

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50-60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins - 1 hour 20 mins

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted & cooled
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk + vinegar)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients: melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, lemon juice, lemon zest, poppy seeds, vanilla.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Don't overmix.
  5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan, spread evenly.
  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Glaze: Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice. Drizzle over cooled loaf.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, you can swap in vegan butter, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 mins) and a dairy-free milk. It's just as delicious and just as easy.
  • Nutty Enhancement: Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra flavor and crunch. Be sure not to add extra flour if adding nuts.
  • Muffin Magic: Pour the batter into muffin tins instead of a loaf pan for individual portions. Baking time will need to be reduced to about 20-25 minutes, but follow the toothpick test to be sure. They're perfect for lunchboxes or parties!
  • Citrus Swap: If you're not the biggest fan of lemon or want to mix it up, use lime or orange zest and juice instead. You'll get a different flavor, of course.
  • Glaze it Up: For an extra touch, melt a little more butter with brown sugar and poppy seeds to create a caramel glaze.
  • Storage: Store your loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices individually for quick thawing.

Product Recommendations:

  • To ensure even baking, a 9x5 inch loaf pan works wonders. This non-stick version is a lifesaver when removing the bread.
  • A good quality whisk is essential for combining the wet and dry ingredients. This one is durable and easy to clean.
  • A hand mixer makes it easier to create a batter without overmixing, and can help create the optional glaze much more easily.

So there you have it! My go-to Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf recipe, ready to bring a little sunshine into your life. I truly hope you enjoy making – and eating! – this as much as I do. Let me know how it turns out and how you will personalize it! Happy Baking!

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