Sugar Free Iced Lemon Poppyseed Loaf
What Makes These Irresistible?
This Honey Lemon Cream Cheese Loaf is naturally sweetened with honey—no refined sugar needed! Soft, tangy, and swirled with creamy goodness, it’s the perfect treat for any time of day. Feel free to substiture the powdered sugar in the icing with honey!
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Ingredients
For the Lemon Loaf
1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter (113 grams)
4 ounces cream cheese, melted (113 grams)
½ cup honey (170 grams)
2 tablespoons lemon zest
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (60 grams)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190 grams)
3 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (6 grams)
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
For the Icing
1 cup powdered sugar (120 grams)
4 tablespoons lemon juice
3 teaspoons honey
Instructions
For the Lemon Loaf
Prep the oven: Preheat to 350°F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter, honey, and 1 tbsp lemon zest until combined. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon juice, vanilla, and yogurt (it may look curdled—don’t worry!).
Add dry ingredients: Mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
Prepare cream cheese swirl: In a separate bowl, whisk together melted cream cheese and 1 tbsp lemon zest.
Assemble the loaf: Spoon ⅓ of the batter into the loaf pan. Dollop half the cream cheese mixture in small spoonfuls over the batter and gently swirl with a knife. Repeat with another ⅓ of the batter, the remaining cream cheese, and the final layer of batter. (It’s okay if some cream cheese peeks through.)
Bake: Bake for 45 minutes or until the center is set. If browning too quickly, tent with foil for the last few minutes.
Cool: Let the loaf cool completely before adding icing.
For the Icing
Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and honey until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf and let set for about an hour.
Notes:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and yogurt are at room temperature for a smooth batter and even baking. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle.
Cream Cheese Swirl Tip: For the best swirl, dollop the cream cheese mixture in small spoonfuls and use a knife to gently swirl it into the batter without overmixing. This creates distinct layers of creamy goodness!
Romans 15:13 – "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him."
Baking brings joy, but true joy comes from Jesus!
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
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