Poppy Seed Sweet Bread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Poppy Seed Sweet Bread offers a moist, tender crumb with a delightful poppy seed flavor. Its rich sweetness and aromatic vanilla, almond, and butter flavors make it perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a special treat. A comforting bread that appeals to those who love a subtly sweet, nutty loaf.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups plain unsifted flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons butter flavoring

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well with an electric mixer.
  2. Grease and flour 2 loaf pans.
  3. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing, which helps the batter come together smoothly. If you're out of poppy seeds, you can substitute with sesame seeds for a different flavor and texture. Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruits for extra richness, similar to what's found in Best Banana Bread.

Serving Suggestions

This poppy seed sweet bread is delicious sliced and served plain, but it also pairs beautifully with a smear of cream cheese or butter. For a delightful breakfast, serve it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt. It makes a great accompaniment to coffee or tea, making it perfect for brunch gatherings. Try it with a side of Grated Apple Jam Cake for a sweet spread.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the sweet bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Poppy Seed Sweet Bread contains roughly 1574 calories, with 20g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 123g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (88% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 618mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).

1574 kcal 79% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.1g 40% DV
Total Fat 122.6g 100% DV
Carbs 95.5g 35% DV
Fiber 14.4g 52% DV
Sugar 5.8g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 618.4mg 27% DV
Potassium 814mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 119.1mg 40% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 33.6mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 1.6mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 1149.1mg 88% DV
Iron 9.9mg 55% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 plain flour?

Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose to maintain texture, as whole wheat can make the bread denser. Adjust your liquid slightly if necessary.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make this recipe healthier, consider reducing the sugar by a third, or using a sugar substitute. You can also replace some of the oil with unsweetened applesauce, which will keep the bread moist while lowering fat content.

What can I do if my bread is too dry?

If your bread turns out dry, you can serve it with a drizzle of glaze or a side of fruit preserves to add moisture. Additionally, ensure you measure your flour accurately and avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to a drier texture.

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).

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