First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This step is crucial for ensuring that your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
Next, grease two 9-inch by 5-inch by 3-inch loaf pans. This will prevent the bread from sticking and ensures that it comes out perfectly shaped.
In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, instant lemon pudding mix, warm water, eggs, and canola oil. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on low speed for about 30 seconds. This initial mixing helps to combine the ingredients without incorporating too much air.
After that, increase the speed to medium and beat for approximately 2 minutes. The batter should become light and fluffy, signaling that it's ready for the next step.
Gently stir in the poppy seeds. This adds texture and a delightful crunch to the bread.
Now, evenly divide the batter between the prepared loaf pans. Be careful to distribute it evenly to ensure even baking.
Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bread; it should have a golden-brown color when it’s done.
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove.
After cooling slightly, turn the loaves out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for ensuring that the bottom doesn’t become soggy.
In the meantime, prepare the glaze. In a small mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk. Stir until completely combined, creating a smooth and pourable glaze.
Finally, pour the glaze over the cooled loaves, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. This gives the bread a beautiful, sweet finish. Your Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Bread is now ready to be enjoyed!
