Pecan Poppy Loaf
A moist, nutty loaf with buttery pecans and poppy seeds, perfect for breakfast or brunch, appealing to those who enjoy rich, flavorful cakes with a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the Betty Crocker butter pecan cake mix, French vanilla instant pudding, hot water, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir in chopped pecans and poppy seed until well blended.
- Spray aluminum loaf pans with Baker's Joy or non-stick spray.
- Divide batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
- Bake for about 40 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow loaves to cool slightly before serving with softened cream cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added richness, consider substituting half of the vegetable oil with melted butter. If you want to enhance the nuttiness, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the batter. Make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Pecan Poppy Loaf with softened cream cheese spread on top for an indulgent breakfast or afternoon snack. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a complete brunch, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt. This loaf also makes a great addition to holiday gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pecan Poppy Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh for longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. When reheating, slice the loaf and warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Poppy Loaf contains roughly 1559 calories, with 16g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 132g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (58% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can try using a yellow or vanilla cake mix if you don't have butter pecan on hand. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly, but it should still result in a delicious loaf.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Absolutely! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg). This will help maintain the moisture and texture of the loaf.
How can I make this loaf more festive?
To make your Pecan Poppy Loaf more festive, consider adding 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or orange zest to the batter. This will add a pop of color and a delightful flavor that complements the pecans beautifully.
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).