Irish Poppy Tea Bread
Irish Poppy Tea Bread offers a moist, flavorful loaf with a hint of orange and the crunch of poppy seeds, perfect for breakfast or teatime enjoyment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, beat sour cream, sugar, and softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, poppy seed, and orange juice until well mixed.
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the mixture.
- Beat at low speed until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool, then remove from the pan, wrap in plastic, and let sit overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. If you're out of poppy seeds, sesame seeds or chia seeds can be good substitutes. Make sure to beat the butter and sugar well to incorporate air, which helps the bread rise. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar to 1 cup. This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Irish Poppy Tea Bread and serve it as a delightful breakfast or snack with a pat of butter or a spread of cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a fun twist, serve it alongside a refreshing fruit salad or with a slice of cheese. This bread also complements dishes such as the Crunch Corn Dip for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Irish Poppy Tea Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container. To reheat, simply toast slices or warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Irish Poppy Tea Bread contains roughly 391 calories, with 10g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 989mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser bread. To maintain moisture, consider adding an extra tablespoon of orange juice or slightly increasing the butter. This will help balance the texture and flavor.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The best way to check if the Irish Poppy Tea Bread is done is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the bread is ready. If there's wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries can enhance the flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the quantity so that it doesn't overpower the bread. About 1/2 cup of nuts or fruits would be a great addition.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).