This irresistible poppy seed bread is tender, flavorful, and topped with a luscious citrus glaze that elevates every bite.
Packed with good fats from vegetable oil and a touch of natural sweetness, it’s a fiber-rich treat perfect for everyday enjoyment.
Quick to prepare and bake, it’s ideal for breakfast, snack time, or a satisfying dessert that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Poppy Seed Bread
Equipment
- 2 × 9×5-inch loaf pans
- 1 × Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- 1 × whisk
- 1 × Small bowl
- 1 × measuring cups and spoons
- 1 × spatula
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 ⅛ cups vegetable oil
- 2 ¼ cups sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons butter extract or flavoring
- 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds
For the Glaze:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon butter extract or flavoring
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the bread batter. Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans generously with butter or use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the bread from sticking. You can also lightly dust the pans with flour for extra insurance. Proper preparation here guarantees an easy release and beautifully shaped loaves.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour, ensuring consistent rise and flavor in every bite. A thorough mix now prevents clumping later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, crack 3 large eggs and whisk them until smooth. Add 1 ½ cups of milk, 1 1/8 cups of vegetable oil, and 2 ¼ cups of sugar. Stir or beat gently until the mixture is homogeneous. Then add 1 ½ teaspoons each of vanilla extract, almond extract, and butter extract. The combination of these flavors will give your bread its signature aromatic and slightly nutty profile.
- Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Using a stand mixer on medium speed or a hand mixer, blend the ingredients together for 2–3 minutes. This ensures a smooth batter without overmixing, which could make the bread tough. The batter should be thick yet pourable, silky, and slightly glossy.
- Fold in Poppy Seeds: Once the batter is well-mixed, gently fold in 1 ½ tablespoons of poppy seeds using a spatula. Folding rather than mixing vigorously keeps the bread tender while evenly distributing the seeds, giving each slice that delightful crunch and subtle nutty flavor.
- Pour Batter into Prepared Pans: Evenly divide the batter between the two greased loaf pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure an even rise. This step is important for uniform baking and a polished final appearance. Tap the pans lightly on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles for a smoother texture.
- Bake the Bread: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid opening the oven frequently during baking, as this can cause the bread to sink in the middle.
- Prepare the Citrus Glaze: While the bread is baking, combine ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup orange juice, ½ teaspoon almond extract, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon butter extract in a small bowl. Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This glaze will soak into the warm bread, adding a sweet, tangy finish that enhances every slice.
- Apply the Glaze: Once the bread is removed from the oven and still warm, carefully pour the glaze evenly over the top of each loaf. Use a spoon or small spatula to spread the glaze so that it seeps slightly into the edges and cracks. The bread’s warmth helps the glaze absorb, creating a tender, flavorful crust.
- Cool the Bread Properly: Allow the glazed bread to cool in the pans for at least 30 minutes. This resting period helps the loaves set and makes removal from the pans easier without breaking apart. For optimal flavor and texture, wrap the loaves in foil and freeze for 24 hours, then bring them to room temperature before serving. However, the bread can also be enjoyed immediately after cooling.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, remove the loaves from the pans and place them on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the bread into even pieces. Each slice should reveal a tender crumb speckled with poppy seeds and a glistening glaze on top. Serve as a breakfast treat, snack, or light dessert, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness, citrus, and nutty flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, consider wrapping the cooled bread in foil and freezing it for 24 hours before serving. This enhances the texture and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Use fresh eggs and high-quality extracts to achieve the most aromatic and flavorful bread.
- If you prefer a slightly lighter bread, substitute half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- Poppy seeds can clump, so always fold them gently into the batter rather than mixing vigorously.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; always check doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Loaf
To achieve the softest, most tender loaf, avoid overmixing the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the desired melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Always use room-temperature eggs and milk—they blend more evenly, creating a smoother batter.
For an extra boost of flavor, lightly toast the poppy seeds before folding them in; this releases their natural nutty aroma and adds subtle depth.
Finally, pouring the glaze while the bread is warm ensures it seeps into the loaf, giving every slice a sweet, citrusy finish.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
This poppy seed bread is versatile and pairs well with both sweet and savory accompaniments.
Serve slices with a pat of butter or cream cheese for breakfast, or drizzle additional glaze for an indulgent dessert.
It also complements tea, coffee, or a glass of milk perfectly.
For brunch gatherings, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt parfaits.
The bread is equally delightful when toasted lightly; it brings out the citrus notes and enhances the nutty poppy flavor.
Storage Tips to Keep Fresh
Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
To preserve freshness longer, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one week.
For best flavor and texture, freeze the bread for up to one month; thaw at room temperature before slicing.
Avoid leaving the bread exposed, as this can cause the glaze to dry out and the crumb to become slightly tough.
Proper storage ensures your loaf stays moist, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour, you can make a gluten-free version. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor and moistness will remain enjoyable.
2. Is it possible to use a different citrus juice?
Absolutely! Lemon juice or even a mild grapefruit juice can be used instead of orange juice. Each option will create a unique flavor twist while maintaining the sweetness and tang of the glaze.
3. Can I make this bread without the glaze?
Yes, the bread itself is delicious and tender even without the glaze. However, the citrus glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture, so it’s highly recommended for the best experience.
4. How can I prevent the bread from sinking in the middle?
Ensure that you measure flour accurately and avoid overmixing the batter. Preheating the oven properly and not opening the door during baking are key steps to maintain a uniform rise.
5. Can I use other oils instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, light olive oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil can be used. Each oil will slightly alter the flavor profile, but all provide the necessary fat for a tender, moist loaf.
