Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9” x 5” loaf pan with parchment paper.

Transfer the oats to a high-speed blender or a food processor and blend for 1 minute, or until a flour forms. Add the baking powder and sea salt to the blender too and blend for another few seconds until all of the dry ingredients are combined.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese (or applesauce), eggs, pure maple syrup, vanilla extractor, and almond extract to combine the wet ingredients. You can use an electric mixer if you'd like, however, I use a fork, wooden spoon, or rubber spatula for my mixing.

Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients, and mix well. Stir in the poppy seeds and lemon zest.

Transfer the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes on the center rack of the preheated oven. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is fully baked. Insert a digital thermometer into the center of the bread to take its internal temperature. If it reads 190 degrees F or higher, it is ready.

Let the bread cool all the way to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Enjoy a warmed up slice of bread with melted butter on top and enjoy alongside a cup of coffee for an amazing afternoon treat.