Thereโs something about the scent of fresh lemon zest and vanilla drifting from the oven that feels like a gentle hug from summer. This Lemon Poppy Seed Sourdough Discard Loaf is bright, buttery, and just tangy enough to make each bite memorable. Plus, itโs a genius way to give that leftover sourdough discard a delicious second life!
Whether youโre baking for a weekend brunch, a sunny picnic, or simply to bring a little joy to your Tuesday, this loaf brings citrusy sparkle and a soft, moist crumb every time. And donโt forgetโsubscribe to get more creative sourdough discard recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Why Youโll Love This Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf
- No waste, all flavor โ Perfect use for that unfed sourdough discard.
- Moist and tender crumb thanks to yogurt or sour cream.
- Bright lemony tang that pairs beautifully with the subtle sourdough base.
- Gorgeous, easy glaze for bakery-style charm.
What It Tastes Like
This loaf is the love child of a lemon cake and a bakery muffin. You get the zingy citrus, a little bit of crunch from the poppy seeds, and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture from the sourdough discard and yogurt combo. Each slice is pure sunshine!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Keeps your sourdough discard from going to waste.
- Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Freezer-friendly and great for gifting.
- Feels fancy enough for tea time but easy enough for every day.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1ยฝ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ยฝ tsp baking soda
- ยผ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- ยฝ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- ยพ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ยฝ cup (120ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze:
- ยพ cup (90g) powdered sugar
- 1ยฝโ2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Optional: extra lemon zest for garnish
Tools Youโll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9ร5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- No sour cream? Use Greek yogurt for a protein-packed substitute.
- Make it dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and coconut yogurt.
- Add blueberries or raspberries for a fruit-filled twist!
How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Sourdough Discard Loaf
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven and prep pan:
Heat to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and line a 9ร5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. - Mix dry ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. - Mix wet ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in yogurt, lemon zest and juice, vanilla, and sourdough discard. - Combine gently:
Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing. - Bake:
Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 45โ55 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. - Cool and glaze:
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cool, whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over the loaf. Add a touch of lemon zest on top if desired.
What to Serve With This Loaf
- A cup of earl grey tea or iced lavender lemonade
- Fresh berries and whipped cream for brunch
- A dollop of lemon curd if you want to double down on citrus
Tips for Lemon Loaf Perfection
- Room temp eggs and yogurt help the batter blend better.
- Use fresh lemonsโthe zest is where the magic lives.
- Tent with foil if the loaf browns too quickly on top.
Storage Instructions
- Room temp: Keeps for 2โ3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or toaster oven for fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use active sourdough starter?
Yes, but discard (unfed) keeps the tang mellow and texture light.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. The loaf is flavorful enough on its own, but the glaze adds a little sparkle!
Can I make muffins instead?
Yes! Just divide the batter among muffin tins and bake for 20โ25 minutes.
Conclusion
This Lemon Poppy Seed Sourdough Discard Loaf is the kind of bake that feels like a treat but comes together effortlessly. Itโs zingy, zesty, and a brilliant reminder that leftovers (like sourdough discard) can turn into something extraordinary. One bite, and youโll see why this loaf is a keeper.
More Sourdough Discard Magic
- Funfetti Sourdough Breakfast Bread
- Sourdough Banana Muffins
- Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Snack Cake
Share Your Zesty Creations!
Tried this lemon loaf? Iโd love to see it!
Tag your photos on Pinterest, drop your thoughts in the comments, and donโt forget to subscribe for more citrusy, cozy bakes that brighten your day.
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