Almond Poppy Seed Bread

The aroma of freshly baked Almond Poppy Seed Bread wafting through the kitchen is truly something special. I remember the first time I made this delightful treat; it was a sunny Saturday morning, and I had friends coming over for brunch. I wanted something unique yet comforting, a dish that would impress yet be simple to make. As I mixed the ingredients, the combination of almond and poppy seeds felt like a match made in heaven. The final loaf was beautifully golden, with a tender crumb, and the taste was absolutely divine. It became a staple in my baking repertoire, and now I want to share this joy with you!

Main Ingredients for Almond Poppy Seed Bread

The ingredients for Almond Poppy Seed Bread come together to create a wonderfully moist and flavorful loaf. Key players like all-purpose flour, butter, and sugar form the foundation, while almond and poppy seeds elevate the flavor profile. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in texture and taste, ensuring every bite is a delight.

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 2/3 cups
  This is the base of your loaf, providing structure and texture. It helps create that perfect crumb.
• Poppy Seeds: 1 1/2 tablespoons
  These tiny seeds add a wonderful crunch and a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with almond.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
  This leavening agent is essential for making your bread rise and achieve that fluffy texture.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in your bread, making each bite taste even better.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 1/4 cups
  This adds sweetness and contributes to the browning of your bread, giving it a lovely golden crust.
• Butter: 1/2 cup, room temperature
  Butter adds richness and moisture, essential for a tender loaf.
• Large Eggs: 3, room temperature
  Eggs help to bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
  This adds a warm flavor that complements the almond beautifully.
• Almond Extract: 1 teaspoon
  This is the superstar ingredient that gives the bread its signature flavor.
• Milk: 1/2 cup
  Milk adds moisture, making for a softer crumb.
• Sour Cream: 1/4 cup
  Sour cream not only adds moisture but also contributes to a tender texture.

The Process for Making Almond Poppy Seed Bread

Making Almond Poppy Seed Bread is a delightful experience that combines simple steps to achieve a delicious result. Let’s dive into the baking process together!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While it’s heating, prepare a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it. This step is crucial to ensure your bread doesn’t stick.
2. In a small bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the dry ingredients, ensuring a light texture for your loaf.
3. In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is key for a light loaf.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps the butter and sugar to emulsify properly.
5. Now it’s time to mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract. These extracts will infuse the batter with delightful flavors that make this bread so special.
6. Pour in the milk and sour cream, mixing until combined. The moisture from these ingredients is essential for a soft and moist loaf.
7. Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
8. Carefully pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. This ensures an even bake and beautiful presentation.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; you want a lovely golden crust!
10. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before slicing. This step helps to maintain its structure.

Substitutions and Tips

Making the most of your baking experience is important, and having a few tips up your sleeve can help. Here are some great suggestions for making your Almond Poppy Seed Bread even better.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the bread fresh for up to three days.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
• Pairing: This bread goes wonderfully with a nice fruit preserve or a simple butter spread. The sweetness complements the nutty flavor perfectly.
• Serving Suggestions: Consider serving slices of this bread toasted with a bit of butter for breakfast or brunch.
• Variations: You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added health benefits.

What Complements This Almond Poppy Seed Bread

Serving Almond Poppy Seed Bread can be as delightful as making it! Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy it:

• Ideal for Brunch: This bread is perfect for brunch gatherings, paired with fresh fruit and hot beverages.
• Great for Snacks: Slice it up and serve it as a snack with tea or coffee in the afternoon.
• Holiday Treat: Make it during the spring for celebrations or Easter brunch. It’s a lovely seasonal addition!
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze for later enjoyment.
• Pairs Well With: Serve alongside yogurt or cottage cheese for a delicious, balanced meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Almond Poppy Seed Bread is a truly special recipe that brings a unique blend of flavors and textures to your table. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea. I encourage you to try making this delightful bread; I promise it will quickly become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!

Almond Poppy Seed Bread

The ultimate comfort food, Almond Poppy Seed Bread offers a unique blend of nutty and sweet flavors. This easy-to-make loaf is perfect for brunch or a delightful snack. Serve it warm with a spread or toast it for breakfast. You won’t be able to resist baking it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast, Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 2/3 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Poppy Seeds
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 1/4 cups Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 cup Butter room temperature
• 3 large Eggs room temperature
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream

Equipment

• Muffin tin

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a small bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract. Pour in the milk and sour cream, mixing until combined.
6. Slowly stir in the dry ingredients just until combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
8. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Once baked, cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the bread fresh for up to three days.
• Tip 2: Yes, you can freeze this bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months.
• Tip 3: This bread goes wonderfully with a nice fruit preserve or a simple butter spread.
• Tip 4: Consider serving slices of this bread toasted with a bit of butter.
• Tip 5: You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added health benefits.

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Meet Harper Dean

I love the creative challenge of making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. I work alongside the team to develop and test recipes that are reliable but never dull. I prepared this meal in my own kitchen, refining the steps to make sure your cooking experience is smooth, fun, and delicious.