Bright & Irresistibly Moist Lemon Ricotta Poppy Seed Loaf – 7 Uplifting Reasons to Bake It This Weekend

Oh friend, I’m so happy you’re here because this one is special. This Lemon Ricotta Poppy Seed Loaf is the kind of recipe that makes weekends feel softer, slower, and just a little sweeter. It’s sunshine in loaf form. Every time I bake it, the kitchen fills with the scent of fresh lemon zest and warm vanilla, and I swear it instantly lifts everyone’s mood.

This Lemon Ricotta Poppy Seed Loaf is tender, moist, and perfectly balanced between bright citrus and creamy richness. It’s easy enough for a relaxed Saturday morning and elegant enough to serve at brunch with guests. Truly, you’re going to love this one.

And if you enjoy cozy, family-inspired bakes like this, don’t forget to subscribe to our email list so you never miss a fresh recipe from my kitchen to yours.

Overview of Recipe Content

This Lemon Ricotta Poppy Seed Loaf is a soft quick bread made with whole milk ricotta for richness, fresh lemon zest for brightness, and poppy seeds for that delicate crunch we all adore.

It fits beautifully into:

• Weekend brunch spreads
• Afternoon coffee breaks
• Spring and summer gatherings
• Easter dessert tables
• Sweet breakfast treats

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Ricotta Poppy Seed Loaf

• Extra moist thanks to ricotta
• Bright, fresh lemon flavor
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Easy one-bowl style prep
• Gorgeous for Pinterest dessert boards

The flavor is fresh but not overpowering. The ricotta gives it a creamy tenderness without making it heavy. The poppy seeds add texture and a subtle nutty note. And if you drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the top? Oh my goodness. Perfection.

If you’re a fan of bright citrus bakes, you might also love this https://poulef.com/lemon-loaf-recipe/ or these fluffy https://poulef.com/lemon-blueberry-muffins/ for even more lemon joy.

And don’t forget to save your favorites to your boards at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Ingredients You’ll Need

PIN IT

For the Loaf:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Optional Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Tools Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Zester
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap ricotta for Greek yogurt in a pinch.
• Add blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Use almond extract for a bakery-style flavor.
• Make it gluten-free with a 1:1 flour substitute.

If you love easy brunch recipes, pair this with https://poulef.com/easy-baked-oatmeal/ for a cozy breakfast spread or something indulgent like https://poulef.com/chocolate-chip-banana-bread/

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Poppy Seed Loaf

PIN IT

Let’s bake together.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Poppy seeds
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step builds structure and gives the loaf that tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Ricotta

Mix in eggs one at a time. Then add:

• Ricotta
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

The batter will look creamy and slightly fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Do not overmix. Stir just until combined.

The batter will be thick and luxurious.

Step 6: Bake

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top.

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Glaze (Optional but Recommended!)

Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled loaf.

Let the glaze set before slicing.

That first slice? Soft, moist, fragrant. Pure weekend bliss.

What to Serve with Lemon Ricotta Poppy Seed Loaf

This loaf pairs beautifully with:

• Hot coffee or cappuccino
• Iced lemon tea
• Fresh berries
• Vanilla yogurt
• Whipped cream

For a full brunch board, add:

• https://poulef.com/3-ingredient-peanut-butter-cookies/
• https://poulef.com/pumpkin-banana-muffins/
• https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough/

They make a stunning Pinterest brunch spread.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use whole milk ricotta for richness.
• Zest lemons before juicing.
• Don’t overmix the batter.
• Let loaf cool completely before glazing.
• Store uncovered for 30 minutes before wrapping to prevent condensation.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days (bring to room temp before serving).
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Slice before freezing for easy grab-and-go pieces.

General Information

Ricotta-based loaves are popular in Italian-American kitchens because ricotta adds moisture without heaviness. It creates a tender crumb that stays soft for days.

Lemon and poppy seed is a classic pairing that became especially popular in American baking during the 20th century, blending European techniques with local preferences.

This loaf is where tradition meets practicality—and that’s my favorite kind of recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use part-skim ricotta?

Yes, but whole milk ricotta gives the best texture.

Can I skip the poppy seeds?

Absolutely. The loaf will still be delicious.

Why is my loaf dense?

Overmixing or too much flour may cause density. Spoon and level your flour.

Can I make muffins instead?

Yes! Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce by ¼ cup if desired.

Conclusion

This Lemon Ricotta Poppy Seed Loaf is bright, moist, and wonderfully simple. It turns ordinary mornings into something special and feels just right for relaxed weekends.

If you love citrus desserts, try our lemon loaf or lemon blueberry muffins next. They’ll keep that sunshine flavor going strong.

Thank you for baking with me today. Your kitchen deserves recipes that feel joyful and effortless.

Interactive Elements

If you try this Lemon Ricotta Poppy Seed Loaf:

• Leave a review and star rating below
• Share your slice on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
• Tag us so we can see your beautiful loaf

I love seeing your creations!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice – 10 slices)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	290 kcal
Carbohydrates	34g
Protein	6g
Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	8g
Sugar	18g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	210mg

Print