Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard-sized loaf pan.
Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, poppy seeds, and baking powder. Set aside.
Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Incorporate Lemon Zest: Add the lemon zest to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well.
Adding eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the lemon juice and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the loaf dense.
Pour into Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling: Allow the Lemon Poppy Seed Bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Glaze:In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or juice as needed.
Glazing the bread: Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the bread. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing.
Serving: Slice the lemon poppy seed bread and serve. It's perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful snack!