Lemon & Poppyseed Loaf...Nice & Simple!

Lemon & Poppyseed is one of my favourite cakes. It's so versatile. It can work as a cupcake, a muffin, a cake or a loaf! It also has just the right level of sweetness. This time I've baked a Lemon & Poppyseed loaf, because the lack of icing makes it the perfect afternoon treat and doesn't make you feel incredibly bad for eating it. The only problem is, it's so light that you kinda end up wanting to eat the whole thing...

Another great thing about Lemon & Poppyseed (the list goes on forever...) is that it's so quick and easy to make. I'll be honest, I whipped this one up as a last minute emergency 'Oh dear we have guests coming over!' on Sunday type thing. Everyone goes through it....right?

So, if you're ever in need of an emergency, reliable and seriously tasty recipe, I suggest you use this one. Once you've made one, you'll never stop.

Find the recipe and step by step instructions below :)

From Cupcakes, With Love x

-190g unsalted butter, at room temperature -190g plain flour -190g caster sugar -3 large eggs -1 teaspoon baking powder -a pinch of salt -4 tablespoons of poppyseeds -zest of half a lemon -2 tablespoons whole milk -80g ricotta cheese

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Grease the loaf tin with butter and dust with flour. 1. Cream the butter and caster sugar using an electric whisk. Add in the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition, not forgetting to scrape down the sides of the bowl. 2. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt and mix by hand with a fork. Then add in the poppyseeds and lemon zest, and again mix with a fork until the poppyseeds are evenly dispersed.  3. Add these dry ingredients to the original mix in two batches and whisk together for a few seconds. Add the milk after the second batch and whisk until everything is well incorporated, finally adding in the ricotta cheese. 4. Pour the batter into the loaf tin and bake in the oven for about 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the sponge comes out clean. 5. Wait until the loaf has completely cooled out of the oven to turn it out onto your dish of choice.
6. Cut yourself a slice, and enjoy with a nice cup of tea! :)