This gluten-free lemon poppyseed loaf is bright, zesty, perfectly moist, and one of those bakes I come back to again and again. It’s naturally gluten-free, lightly sweetened, and nourishing enough to enjoy without that heavy, sluggish feeling afterward.
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I love baking this on the weekend, slicing it up for afternoon tea, or giving it as a feel-good treat to keep a hungry 10-year-old satisfied after school. And while the coconut lemon icing is totally optional, I’ll be honest… it takes this loaf to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Lemon Poppyseed Loaf
This loaf isn’t just delicious — it’s made with ingredients that actually give something back.
Almond flour: My favourite flour for gluten-free baking forms the base of this recipe and adds healthy fats, vitamin E, and a lovely, tender crumb. Because it’s naturally gluten-free, it’s easier on digestion for many people compared to wheat-based loaves. On a package, it will be called “almond meal or flour”; either fine or coarse flour works.
Hemp hearts: Like many recipes here on Joyous Health I’ve addedhemp hearts for an extra boost of plant-based protein, fibre, and omega-3 fats. They blend in seamlessly and add subtle nourishment without altering the flavour.
Fresh lemon juice and zest do more than brighten the taste – they support digestion and add a refreshing, uplifting quality that makes this loaf feel light and energizing. Use freshly squeeze lemon juice for the best taste.
Eggs and Greek yogurt provide protein and help keep the loaf moist and satisfying, while maple syrup or honey offers just enough natural sweetness without overpowering the lemony flavour. If you want to make this dairy-free, just swap for coconut yogurt.
And of course, poppyseeds add that classic texture and gentle crunch that makes every bite interesting and joyous!
If you’re on the fence about the icing, trust me, it’s worth it. The coconut lemon icing is simple to make and adds the most delightful burst of joy to every slice.
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What is coconut butter?
Coconut butter is made from the fleshy, naturally sweet part of the coconut. It’s a white, creamy spread that tends to be firm at room temperature. You may also see it labelled as coconut manna — it’s the exact same thing as coconut butter. This is the brand I buy.
Get the recipe!
Gluten-Free Lemon Poppyseed Loaf with Almond Flour
Ingredients
- 1-3/4 cups almond flour packed
- 1/4 cup hemp hearts
- 1/4 cup tapioca or arrowroot flour
- 2-3 tbsp poppyseeds
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Zest from 2 large lemons
- 3 eggs whisked
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for dairy-free
- 1/2 cup light maple syrup* or honey
Coconut Icing
- 1/4 cup coconut butter or manna
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (180C) and line a standard-size loaf pan with parchment paper or grease well with coconut oil.
- In a large bowl, combine almond flour, hemp hearts, tapioca flour, poppyseeds, baking soda and baking powder. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, zest from 2 lemons, 3 eggs, Greek yogurt and maple syrup or honey. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir to combine.
- Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until a fork inserted comes out clean. To make the icing, in a small pot over low heat, slowly melt the coconut butter and oil. Add lemon zest. Once the loaf has cooled, pour the icing overtop.
Notes
More gluten-free loaves and breads for you to enjoy…
More recipes with hemp hearts for you to enjoy…
- Blueberry Hemp Muffins
- Feel-Good Pancakes
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
- No-Bake Chocolate Hemp Bars
- Cranberry Orange Hemp Muffins
If you enjoy this, please comment below and share this recipe with your friends. Tag me @joyoushealth on IG. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy this Gluten-free Lemon Poppyseed Loaf!
Joy
8 thoughts on “Gluten-Free Lemon Poppyseed Loaf with Almond Flour”
thank you! has anyone tried this with flax eggs to make it vegan?
I don’t know if anyone has tried it yet but I will post back here if I do hear.
I’ve made this recipe twice now!!! I love it so much!
Happy to hear that Tarynn!
Hi Joy. I have black sesame seeds at home, would that work in place of poppy seeds?
For sure!
Why doesn’t the print option work anymore? Used to be so simple. Suggestions on how to print pls?
Hi Norah, the print function is still working on our end. Could you try printing from a different browser or device to see if that works? Please let us know. Thanks so much!