Lemon-Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread
This buttery, pound cake-like bread is especially good when toasted. Serve it with a steaming cup of coffee for breakfast or a cold glass of milk for a snack.
This buttery, pound cake-like bread is especially good when toasted. Serve it with a steaming cup of coffee for breakfast or a cold glass of milk for a snack.
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- butter-flavored cooking spray
- 1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt (storebought or a recipe for your own in the instant pot at the bottom.)
- 1 tablespoon lemon rind (grated)
- 1 cup zucchini (shredded)
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (with live active cultures room temperature)
- 2 quarts milk (any percentage will work)
- Carbohydrate 13.4478191814481 g
- Cholesterol 41.8958333505239 mg
- Fat 16.8763675066784 g
- Fiber 0.51287500798813 g
- Protein 2.80677833537032 g
- Saturated Fat 10.0654135041378 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (113g)
- Sodium 6639.72343479024 mg
- Sugar 12.93494417346 g
- Trans Fat 1.16676558385103 g
- Calories 215 calories
Step-by-step
- Coat a 6-cup nonstick Bundt pan or loaf pan with cooking spray. Dust with flour, tapping pan to shake out excess.
- Pour 1 1/2 cups water into the inner pot of a 6-quart Instant Pot.
- Beat butter at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
- Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda, stirring with a whisk.
- Add poppy seeds, stirring with a whisk. Add to butter mixture alternately with yogurt, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
- Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in lemon rind and zucchini.
- Spoon batter into prepared pan, smoothing top. Tap pan on work surface to remove air bubbles.
- Cover pan with aluminum foil. Lightly crimp edges to secure foil to top of pan. Place pan on the steam rack. Using rack handles, gently lower pan into inner pot. Place inner pot into the Instant Pot.
- Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot. Turn the steam release handle to “Sealing” position. Turn off the Keep Warm light. Cook at High Pressure 55 minutes. Allow a 10-minute Natural Pressure Release. Turn steam release handle to “Venting” to release remaining pressure. Open the lid.
- Use rack handles to lift pan from pot, leaving pan on rack. Remove foil. Let cool 10 minutes in pan. Loosen cake from sides and center of pan using a plastic knife or spatula. Invert cake onto a wire cooling rack; cool completely.
- Place yogurt in a 1-cup glass measuring cup; stir well. Cover and let stand while preparing the milk.
- Pour milk into the inner pot of a 6-quart Instant Pot. Close and lock the lid; turn the steam release handle to “Venting.” Press Yogurt, and select “More” mode. Stirring the milk occasionally will help prevent hot spots on the bottom of the pot. When the milk reaches 180°F, the word “yogt” will appear, and the Instant Pot will beep. Stir well, and check that the milk registers at least 180°F, but not more than 185°F on a thermometer. If temperature is less than 180°F, press Yogurt, and repeat the cycle.
- Open the lid. Remove the inner pot from the cooker, and place on a wire rack to cool to 110° to 115°F, stirring occasionally.
- Stir yogurt, and gradually stir in 1/2 cup of the milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring until smooth after each addition. Pour into the remaining milk in the inner pot, and stir well. Place the inner pot in the cooker. Close and lock the lid. Turn the steam release handle to “Sealing” or “Venting” position, and press Yogurt. Set timer for 8 hours.
- When time is up, the Instant Pot will beep, “yogt” will appear on the display, and the cooker will go into standby mode.
- Test to see if yogurt is set: Insert a clean coffee spoon into the center of the mixture, and without stirring or otherwise disturbing the rest of the mixture, remove a spoonful to taste. Yogurt should be the texture of custard and taste mildly tart. If yogurt is not set, or you desire a more tart product, press Yogurt; set time for an additional 1 to 2 hours, and test again.
- When yogurt is ready, remove inner pot from cooker, being careful not to disturb the set. Cover and chill 12 hours or overnight.
- Transfer yogurt to smaller containers if desired, and store in the refrigerator up to 1 month.
Lemon-Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread: A Baker's Delight
As a busy homemaker, finding time for baking can feel like a luxury. But sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most rewarding. This Lemon-Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread recipe isn't just a delicious treat; it's a testament to the power of combining simple ingredients into something truly special. The aroma alone, as it bakes, fills the kitchen with warmth and the promise of a comforting treat. It's the kind of bread that transports you back to childhood memories, warm kitchens, and the cozy feeling of homemade goodness. Whether it's a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or a sweet snack after the kids are in bed, this bread is a perfect companion.
The texture is what truly sets this bread apart. It’s moist, tender, and surprisingly light. The subtle tang of lemon perfectly complements the delicate crunch of poppy seeds, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. And the zucchini? It adds a surprising level of moisture without compromising the texture. You honestly wouldn't know it's there unless you were told! The recipe itself is straightforward; even a novice baker can achieve delicious results. It’s the type of recipe that inspires confidence in the kitchen, proving that even with limited time, you can still create something extraordinary. This bread is the epitome of simple baking elegance, a delightful reward for even the busiest of days.
Beyond the simple pleasure of baking, this bread offers a chance to connect with loved ones. The act of sharing homemade treats is a powerful way to express love and care. The warm, inviting aroma alone encourages conversation and togetherness. Whether it's a simple breakfast shared with family or a thoughtful gesture for a friend, this Lemon-Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread has the power to brighten someone's day. It’s more than just bread; it's a symbol of warmth, care, and the joy of sharing homemade goodness.
Ingredients to Consider:
While the recipe calls for specific ingredients, there's always room for slight adjustments to suit your preferences. For instance, you can experiment with different types of yogurt, using Greek yogurt for a richer flavor, or opting for a flavored yogurt to add another layer of complexity. The lemon zest can also be adjusted; if you love the zestiness of lemon, feel free to add a bit more. Similarly, if you have a preference for sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar slightly. The beauty of baking is that it allows for personalization, and this recipe is certainly no exception.
Serving Suggestions:
This bread is incredibly versatile. It's delightful served warm from the oven, lightly toasted, or even enjoyed at room temperature. A simple pat of butter accentuates its already delicious flavors. It also makes a wonderful addition to a picnic basket, offering a delicious, homemade touch to an outdoor meal. Or, slice it up for a delightful afternoon snack. Pair it with a cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk; the possibilities are endless.
Baking as a Form of Self-Care:
Beyond the delicious results, baking this bread can be a deeply therapeutic experience. The process of measuring, mixing, and creating something tangible from scratch is incredibly satisfying. It's a mindful activity that allows you to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and focus on the task at hand. The result is not just delicious bread, but also a sense of accomplishment and calm. So, take some time for yourself, put on some relaxing music, and enjoy the process of creating this delightful bread. You deserve it!
This Lemon-Poppy Seed Zucchini Bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a journey. A journey of simple pleasures, comforting aromas, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. It’s a recipe that reflects the heart of home, the warmth of shared moments, and the simple joy of good food. So, go ahead, give it a try, and savor every bite!
