Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

1. Preheat the oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that it's nice and hot when your loaf is ready to bake.

2. Prepare the loaf pan

While the oven is warming up, prepare your loaf pan. Grease it generously with butter and then dust it lightly with flour. This will make sure your loaf comes out easily and cleanly after baking.

3. Combine lemon zest and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the zest of two lemons with one cup of sugar. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers until the mixture resembles wet sand. This step releases the fragrant lemon oils into the sugar, infusing your loaf with a bright citrus flavor.

4. Add wet ingredients

Add the wet ingredients to the lemon-sugar mixture. Pour in the buttermilk, three tablespoons of lemon juice, and crack in the three large eggs. Whisk everything together until it's thoroughly combined.

5. Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 1 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

6. Mix wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Whisk until just combined, then slowly stream in 2/3 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, whisking continuously to incorporate it smoothly. Finally, fold in one tablespoon of poppy seeds.

7. Pour batter into pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure it's even.

8. Bake the loaf

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about one hour. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf – if it comes out clean, your loaf is ready.

9. Cool the loaf

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan until it’s warm to the touch. This helps it set properly and makes it easier to handle.

10. Turn out loaf

Carefully turn the loaf out onto a baking rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Flip the loaf right side up and let it cool a bit more.

11. Make the glaze

While the loaf is cooling, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together four teaspoons of lemon juice with 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar until smooth.

12. Glaze the loaf

Using a pastry brush, spread the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the warm loaf. This will give it a lovely, tangy finish.

13. Cool completely

Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing. This lets the flavors meld and ensures clean slices. Enjoy your zesty lemon poppy seed loaf!