Easy Almond Poppyseed Bread Recipe

Moist, flavorful, and topped with a sweet almond glaze, this easy almond poppyseed bread recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Made with simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and almond extract, it comes together in one bowl for a no-fuss treat. Bake it in under an hour and enjoy a bakery-style loaf at home!

If you’re looking for a moist, flavorful quick bread that’s just as perfect with your morning coffee as it is on a brunch table or dessert plate, this almond poppyseed bread is it. Lightly sweet with a hint of lemon and a soft almond glaze, it’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together with simple pantry ingredients. The batter mixes up in one bowl, and the texture is tender, buttery, and studded with crunchy poppy seeds—basically irresistible. Whether you’re baking for guests or just treating yourself, this loaf delivers every time.

Making this almond poppyseed bread couldn’t be easier. You’ll start by creaming together butter, sugar, lemon zest, and extracts until light and fluffy, then mix in the eggs one at a time. Next, stir in the Greek yogurt, milk, and lemon juice, which give the bread its signature moist texture. Once that’s combined, gently mix in the dry ingredients—flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—just until a smooth batter forms. Pour it into a prepared loaf pan and bake it high and fast for the first few minutes before reducing the temperature to ensure a beautifully risen top and even bake. Once cooled, a quick almond glaze gets drizzled on top for the perfect sweet finish.

Why You’ll Love This Almond Poppyseed Bread Recipe

• This poppyseed bread with almond glaze has the perfect balance of sweet almond flavor with a bright hint of lemon zest.
  
• The recipe comes together in one bowl, making cleanup quick and easy.
  
• This poppyseed bread recipe bakes up beautifully with a golden top and a soft, bakery-style texture inside.
  
• The almond glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the bread.
  
• It’s a versatile loaf that works well for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even gifting.
  
• You don’t need any fancy equipment or special techniques to make it—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
  
• Leftovers stay moist for days and can be frozen for later, making it a great make-ahead option.

Ingredients For Poppyseed Bread with Almond Glaze

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp. lemon zest

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 tsp. almond extract

3 eggs

1 2/3 cup flour

2 Tbsp. poppy seeds

1 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

1/4 cup milk

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Glaze Ingredients

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 Tbsp. milk

1/2 tsp. almond extract

How to Make This Poppyseed Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and spray an 8×4 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl beat butter, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and almond extract until light and fluffy. Add eggs and mix until combined.

Step 3: Add in Greek yogurt, milk, and lemon juice until mixed thoroughly.

Step 4: Slowly add in flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a smooth batter forms.

Step 5: Pour batter into a prepared loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven for 8 minutes at 425 degrees.

Step 6: Leave bread in the oven and reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue cooking for another 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool completely.

Almond Glaze

Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.

Step 2: Once bread has cooled, drizzle glaze over bread and enjoy!

What to Serve/Pair with Easy Almond Poppyseed Bread

I love to serve this bread for brunch with sides like fruit, yogurt, and granola. This easy homemade granola is my favorite! You could also make this tasty Lemon Cream Fruit Dip – yum! If you’re serving this almond poppyseed bread as dessert, it is perfect on it’s own, or paired with a cup of coffee or hot tea. To make it extra indulgent, you could add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

Feel free to use sour cream in place of Greek yogurt for an equally moist texture.

For a nutty crunch, add a handful of sliced almonds on top before baking. 

You can also mix in a few tablespoons of shredded coconut or mini white chocolate chips for a fun twist.

Storage & Leftovers

This almond poppyseed bread stores beautifully, making it perfect for prepping ahead. Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave before serving. The glaze may absorb a bit over time, but the flavor and texture stay delicious.

Almond Poppyseed Bread FAQs

Can I make this poppyseed bread with almond glaze ahead of time?

 Yes! This bread actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to develop. Just store it tightly wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge.

Can I freeze almond poppyseed bread?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

What can I use instead of almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or a touch of lemon extract for a more citrus-forward loaf.

Why do I bake this bread at two different temperatures?

Starting the bake at a higher temperature helps the bread rise quickly and form a nicely domed top. Lowering the temperature ensures it bakes evenly without drying out.

Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes! Just divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Other Bread Recipes You’ll Love

Easy Apple Fritter Monkey Bread

Easy Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread

Homemade Lemon Zucchini Bread

Don’t Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your Easy Almond Poppyseed Bread Recipe Turned Out!