Mini Lemon Poppy Loaves

Featured in: Sweet & Simple Treats

These mini lemon poppy loaves pack a bright citrus zing and delightful crunch from poppy seeds in a moist, tender crumb. Combining melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and zest with dry ingredients yields a balanced batter that bakes to golden perfection in about 25 minutes. Finished with a tangy lemon glaze, each loaf offers a refreshing burst of flavor. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a light dessert, they pair wonderfully with tea or a sparkling drink. Variations include adding blueberries or dairy-free substitutions.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:13:00 GMT
Moist mini lemon poppy seed loaves drizzled with zesty lemon glaze, delightful treat.  Save
Moist mini lemon poppy seed loaves drizzled with zesty lemon glaze, delightful treat. | nomiqo.com

Moist, zesty mini loaves bursting with fresh lemon flavor and a delightful crunch from poppy seeds. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

This recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen for easy breakfasts and quick snacks that impress with their bright citrus zing.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 2 tbsp poppy seeds
  • Wet Ingredients: 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons) 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Lemon Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted 2 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 8 mini loaf pans or line with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each.
Step 4:
Stir in milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined.
Step 5:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6:
Divide batter evenly among prepared mini loaf pans, filling each about 2/3 full.
Step 7:
Bake for 22 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8:
Let loaves cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9:
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Add more lemon juice, a few drops at a time, until pourable.
Step 10:
Drizzle cooled loaves with lemon glaze. Allow glaze to set before serving.
Freshly baked mini lemon poppy seed loaves with a crunchy poppy seed texture.  Save
Freshly baked mini lemon poppy seed loaves with a crunchy poppy seed texture. | nomiqo.com

Family members always ask for seconds and look forward to these loaves on weekend mornings together.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Pairs well with Earl Grey tea or a glass of Prosecco.

Required Tools

8 mini loaf pans Mixing bowls Whisk Measuring cups and spoons Wire cooling rack

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (gluten), Eggs, Milk (dairy). Double-check all ingredient labels for allergens if you have sensitivities.

Soft, golden mini lemon poppy seed loaves perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. Save
Soft, golden mini lemon poppy seed loaves perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. | nomiqo.com

These mini lemon poppy seed loaves make every morning a bit brighter and every snack more delightful.

Recipe FAQs

What gives these loaves their lemon flavor?

Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest are used to infuse a bright, natural citrus flavor throughout the loaves.

How do poppy seeds affect the texture?

Poppy seeds add a subtle crunch and visual interest, balancing the moist crumb with light, nutty texture.

Can I make a dairy-free version?

Yes, substitute melted butter and milk with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free option without sacrificing moisture.

How should I store the loaves?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and texture.

What is the best way to check if they're done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when fully baked.

Can I add other flavors or ingredients?

Adding a handful of blueberries to the batter is a great way to introduce extra fruitiness and variation.

Mini Lemon Poppy Loaves

Moist mini loaves with fresh lemon flavor and a crunchy poppy seed touch, ideal for breakfast or snack.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cook Duration
25 min
Total Duration
40 min
Created by Chloe Bennett


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Portions 8 Serving Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Wet Ingredients

01 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 2 large eggs
04 1/2 cup whole milk
05 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 2 lemons)
06 2 tablespoons lemon zest (approximately 2 lemons)
07 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Lemon Glaze

01 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
02 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Recipe Steps

Step 01

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease eight mini loaf pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds in a medium bowl.

Step 03

Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.

Step 04

Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition.

Step 05

Add Wet Flavors: Stir in the whole milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until evenly combined.

Step 06

Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix.

Step 07

Fill Pans: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared mini loaf pans, filling each approximately two-thirds full.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 09

Cool Loaves: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

Prepare Lemon Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, adding more juice a few drops at a time until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.

Step 11

Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the cooled loaves with the lemon glaze and let it set before serving.

Tools Needed

  • 8 mini loaf pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Information

Review all ingredients for allergen risks and check with your healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (dairy)
  • Verify all ingredient labels for allergens if sensitive

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Provided only for reference purposes—don’t substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 285
  • Lipids: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 4 g