These Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bars are bursting with citrusy flavor, complemented by the nutty crunch of poppy seeds. They have a soft, buttery texture and are topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or whenever you crave a bright, zesty dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Refreshing – The combination of lemon zest and juice provides a fresh citrusy taste.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors – Sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors come together harmoniously.
- Great for Any Occasion – A versatile treat, whether for brunch, dessert, or a snack.
- Beautiful Presentation – The glossy lemon glaze makes these bars look as good as they taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Lemon zest and juice
- Poppy seeds
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- Milk or cream (for the glaze)
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- Prepare the Batter – In a bowl, mix butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.
- Mix Together – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze – Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk or cream until smooth.
- Glaze the Bars – Once the bars have cooled slightly, pour the glaze evenly over the top. Let set before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy – Cut into bars and enjoy their bright, citrusy goodness!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Lemon Almond Bars – Add almond extract to the batter for a nutty twist.
- Extra Tangy Bars – Increase the amount of lemon juice for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
- Lighter Version – Use Greek yogurt instead of butter for a lower-fat option.
- Orange Poppy Seed Bars – Swap lemon for orange zest and juice for a unique citrus variation.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for longer freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for a few seconds if desired, but they are best enjoyed at room temperature.
FAQs
How do I get the best lemon flavor?
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant citrus taste.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh is best, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.
Do poppy seeds add flavor or just texture?
They mainly add a subtle nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Why is my glaze too runny?
Add more powdered sugar to thicken it, or reduce the amount of liquid.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based milk alternative for the glaze.
How do I make the bars more moist?
Be careful not to overbake, and consider adding a little sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
Can I add a crust to these bars?
Yes! A shortbread crust would complement the flavors well.
How do I prevent dry bars?
Avoid overmixing the batter and baking for too long.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely! The bars are still delicious on their own, but the glaze enhances their flavor.
Conclusion
Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness. They’re easy to make, full of bright lemon flavor, and a wonderful treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee, as a dessert, or as a mid-day snack, these bars are sure to become a favorite!
Print
Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bars are soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. The poppy seeds add a delightful crunch, while the tangy lemon glaze on top makes them irresistible. They’re easy to make and perfect for springtime desserts, brunch, or snacking!
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 22-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Glaze the Bars: Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled bars. Let it set for about 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve & Enjoy! Cut into squares and enjoy your tangy, sweet treat!
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, increase the zest in the batter and glaze.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt for extra moisture.