Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread, Lemon Style

This Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread is truly moist and savory! Shredded zucchini is mixed in a simple batter bursting with lemon and studded with poppy seeds. Baked sprinkled with turbinado sugar for a touch of crunch and sweetness. Yields 2 loaves.

Turn zucchini into a slice of lemony heaven.

Originally I made this a few weeks ago. I was SO excited to share this method because not only is it zucchini season and most of us are up to our eyeballs with it, but mostly because this lemony bread truly is standout. If there’s one thing to know about me, I’m a huge fan of everything lemon, and this short bread fits the bill. However, after I shot this dish and sat down to edit the photos they were no where to be found. All I got from my SD card was a big fat “unable to load”. Needless to say, I was bummed.

But this method needs to be in your life, so I rescheduled it for this week and reshot the whole recipe. Again. #worthit

A little later than sooner, but I promise you this lemon poppy seed zucchini bread won’t let you down.

To cook this Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread Set out:

• unbleached all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the zucchini bread.
• baking soda – Creates a gas while baking which helps it rise.
• cardamom – Lends a distinct warm and woodsy flavor.
• fine salt – Can use sea salt or pink himalayan. Salt enhances flavors.
• baking powder – Reacts with the heat to give a leavening boost while the bread is baking.
• granulated sugar – For sweetening and flavor.
• light brown sugar – For a touch of sweeteness and flavor.
• lemon zest and juice – Adds distinct bright citrusy flavor. 
• extra light olive oil – Lends moisture.
• eggs – Besides richness and flavor, they provide structure and help bind all the ingredients together.
• vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances all of the other flavors in this method.
• lemon extract – For additional lemon flavor.
• zucchini – Set out 1 to 2 depending on their size and I prefer to scrape out the seeds.
• poppy seeds – Lends a pop of color and subtle texture.
• turbinado sugar – For sprinkling on before baking. Adds savory sweet texture.

Add 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder.

Sift into a large bowl and set aside.

In a separate bowl, add in 1 cup both granulated sugar and light brown sugar. To that, add the zest of 2 large lemons.

Use your (impeccably clean) hands and massage the sugar and zest.

Break up any clumps of sugar until it resembles wet sand.

To that, crack in 3 large eggs and measure and add in 1/2 cup extra light olive oil, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon lemon extract.

Whisk well until incorporated.

Clean and trim the zucchini before cutting in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and then grate the zucchini on the largest holes of your box grater.

Add the zucchini (roughly 3 cups) and 2 tablespoons poppy seeds.

Switch to a rubber spatula and mix until combined.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry.

Stir these together until simply combined.

Divide the batter among the two pans, it should be roughly 3 cups.

Slide the pans into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove and sprinkle each loaf with 1 and 1/2 tablespoons Turbinado sugar (aka sugar in the raw).

Return the pans back to the oven and bake for 15 more minutes or until a tester comes out with only a few crumbs attached.

Cool the loaves in the pan for 30 minutes before gently running a dull knife around the edges. Carefully turn the loafs out and onto a wire rack to finish cooling.

Once cool, slice and serve.

That sugar topping is everything and his truly moist bread is bursting with lemony flavor.

How To Store Zucchini Bread:

Once the bread has completely cooled, double wrap in plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

How Long Will Zucchini Bread Last?

If stored properly, this zucchini bread will last 2 to 3 days. If you don’t plan to eat both loaves in that time frame, I recommend freezing.

HOW TO FREEZE ZUCCHINI BREAD:

Once the zucchini bread has completely cooled, double wrap a single loaf in plastic wrap, then wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 6 months. I like to use a sharpie and mark the day and the year on the outside as well.

Enjoy! And if you give this Lemon Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!