Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

Bright, citrusy, and bakery-worthy, this Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf is the kind of recipe that instantly makes your kitchen feel like spring—no matter what the weather is doing outside. It’s the perfect balance of fresh lemon flavor and soft, tender crumb, with just enough poppy seed to give that classic little crunch in every bite. Think coffee shop lemon loaf, but lighter, cleaner, and made with ingredients you can actually feel good about.

This version is naturally sweetened (no refined sugar in the loaf itself), using maple syrup and a touch of applesauce to keep it moist and subtly sweet without feeling heavy. Fresh lemon juice and plenty of zest do the heavy lifting here—bringing that bright, tangy flavor that makes lemon desserts so addictive. And the poppy seeds? Just one tablespoon is all it takes to transform the loaf into something that feels elevated, a little nostalgic, and undeniably pretty once sliced.

To finish, we’re keeping the glaze classic. A thick lemony powdered sugar glaze drapes over the top and sets into that signature crackly layer that makes lemon loaf so irresistible. It’s the best of both worlds: refined sugar-free where it matters most, and still giving you that bakery-style finish that makes it feel like a true treat.

Serve it with coffee in the morning, as a sweet snack in the afternoon, or plated up with berries after dinner. It also travels beautifully, making it ideal for brunch, weekend visits, or gifting to friends. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just craving something bright and fresh, this lemon poppy seed loaf is one you’ll come back to again and again. 🍋✨

Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

Ingredients

Dry

• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Wet

• 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (oat is great)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 1/3 cup neutral oil (avocado/canola/grapeseed)

• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (2–3 lemons)

• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract (optional but highly recommended)

Lemon Glaze

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
   Grease and line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment.

2. Make vegan buttermilk:
   Mix plant milk + vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes.

3. Mix dry ingredients:
   Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Mix wet ingredients:
   Whisk buttermilk + maple syrup + oil + applesauce + lemon juice + zest + vanilla (+ lemon extract).
   If using yogurt, whisk it in.

5. Combine:
   Pour wet into dry and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix.

6. Bake:
   Pour into pan and bake 50–65 minutes.
   Start checking at 50. If the top browns too fast, tent with foil.

7. Cool completely before glazing (important).

8. Glaze:
   Mix powdered sugar + lemon juice until thick and pourable. Pour over loaf.

If you’re looking for a loaf that feels bright, comforting, and just a little bit elevated, this Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf is the one to keep in your back pocket. It’s the kind of recipe that works for so many moments—slow weekend mornings, a quick afternoon treat with tea, or something sweet to bring to brunch that everyone will actually want a second slice of.

What I love most is how simple it is to make while still tasting like something you’d find behind the glass at a favorite bakery. The fresh lemon juice and zest give it that bold citrus flavor, the maple syrup keeps the sweetness natural and balanced, and the poppy seeds add the perfect little crunch without overpowering the loaf. And of course, the lemon glaze is the finishing touch that makes it feel extra special—tangy, glossy, and just sweet enough to pull everything together.

This is also one of those recipes that’s easy to make your own. You can add more zest for an extra lemony punch, swap in orange for a softer citrus twist, or even fold in blueberries for a springtime variation. However you serve it, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

If you give this loaf a try, I’d love to know how it turns out for you. Slice it thick, pour yourself something warm, and enjoy every bright, lemony bite. 🍋✨