Thursday, July 03, 2008

Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

It's been a while since I've baked a tea loaf and more often than not, when I'm after something quick, tasty and a little bit different, I turn to Liz Franklin and her book Quick Breads.

I've never made a poppy seed cake before so this is the perfect opportunity to change that situation - the cake couldn't be easier , there's only 5 ingredients!


lemon poppy seed loaf©




Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

250 grams butter, cut into cubes, softened
250 grams caster sugar
4 eggs, lightly beaten
250 grams self-raising flour, sifted
1 lemon, zest and juice
100 grams poppy seeds

Lemon icing
icing sugar
1 lemon, juiced


Place the butter and sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer and mix until creamy and light - you should no longer feel a grittiness to the mixture when it is ready.

Drizzle in the eggs, a little at a time, only adding more when the last amount has been absorbed into the mixture.

Sprinkle over with the flour and gently stir in until absorbed, follow it with the lemon juice and zest before finally folding through the poppy seeds.

Pour the batter out into a 9x27cm or 8-cup capacity loaf tin - smooth out the top and then bake in a preheated 180°C/350°F oven for about an hour or until golden and cooked through. If you feel it's cooking too quickly, cover with foil and lower the temperature.

Let the cake sit in the pan for 15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the icing:
Sift icing sugar into a small bowl and then add enough lemon juice to form a spreadable paste - how much icing sugar or lemon juice you need depends on how thick you like your icing. I prefer mine more lemony consequently it has a thinner density.

Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake - make sure you place a tray underneath to catch the drips.


lemon poppy seed loaf©


The real test is in the tasting


lemon poppy seed loaf©


It has a gorgeous buttery crumb that is generously studded with poppy seeds - the lemon brings in a refreshing, sweet/tart element. This is one cake that has afternoon tea written all over it.


lemon poppy seed loaf©

8 comments

  1. That looks delicious! I wish I could have a piece of that crumb!

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  2. Thanks for sharing your recipe. I've been looking for a lemon poppy seed loaf recipe to give to my sister-in-law. To make for me, of course! ;)

    Yours look gorgeous and I only wish hers turn out half as good.

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  3. Thanks Angelica!

    Thanks JS - maybe you can get her to make it next time ;)

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  4. What great photos! Looks delicious!

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  5. AnonymousJuly 08, 2008

    What a gorgeous looking loaf!

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  6. Thanks Sweet and Kristen!

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  7. Fantastic recipe. I made it yesterday for a party and it was a big success. I'm no baker but found it easy to make with great results. Thanks!

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  8. Thanks Lynn - love to know that you've enjoyed the cake!

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