Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of moist, tangy bread that's not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly healthy! This Low Fat Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is the ultimate game-changer for anyone craving a sweet treat without the extra calories. With its bright citrusy flavor, delightful poppy seed crunch, and wholesome whole wheat base, this recipe will transform your baking game and leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Get ready to become the hero of your kitchen with this simple yet spectacular bread that proves healthy eating can be absolutely mouthwatering!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk dry ingredients together until well blended.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix unsweetened applesauce, fresh lemon juice, water, and vanilla extract. Stir these wet ingredients until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Some small lumps are okay.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to ensure uniform baking.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light lemon glaze before serving.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your wet ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a more uniform texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread.
- Zest Boost: For an extra lemony punch, add some fresh lemon zest to the batter before baking.
- Check for Moisture: The toothpick test is crucial - it should come out clean but not dry. A few moist crumbs are perfect.
- Cooling is Key: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and help it set properly.
- Storage Tip: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for 3-4 days.
- Make it Your Own: Experiment with adding a light lemon glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra pizzazz!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 4g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
