If you’re searching for a recipe that fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of fresh baked bread, look no further than this Delicious Almond Poppy Seed Bread for Cozy Mornings Recipe. Perfectly moist, subtly nutty, and speckled with crunchy poppy seeds, this bread has just the right balance of sweetness and zest, making it a comforting companion for those slow mornings at home. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or sharing it with loved ones, it’s a heartwarming way to start the day and create cherished breakfast memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple yet incredibly important ingredients, each chosen to bring out the best in your almond poppy seed bread. The combination not only creates amazing flavor, but also the ideal texture and that beautiful golden color you’ll love.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness essential for the bread’s tender crumb and rich flavor.
- Canola Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering other flavors; you can swap this with vegetable or melted coconut oil if you prefer.
- Eggs: Crucial for structure and moisture, they bind everything together perfectly.
- Poppy Seeds: Add delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that defines this bread.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the loaf with a fresh, zesty note that balances the sweetness.
- Almond Extract: Infuses the bread with its characteristic aromatic almond flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the backbone structure; careful measurement ensures a light, fluffy loaf.
- Baking Powder: Makes sure your bread rises beautifully and stays soft.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet and nutty flavors.
- Milk: Adds richness and tenderness; can be substituted with almond or oat milk for dairy-free options.
- Powdered Sugar: The star of the glaze, giving a sweet and silky finish.
- Orange Juice: Brings a gentle citrus brightness to the glaze for an extra zing.
How to Make Delicious Almond Poppy Seed Bread for Cozy Mornings Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease two 9×4-inch loaf pans with non-stick spray or butter. This step ensures your bread won’t stick and will come out with perfect edges.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, canola oil, eggs, poppy seeds, lemon juice, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This creates a luscious base for the bread and evenly distributes the flavors.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt through the flour for a balanced rise and flavor.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir gently and just until combined—be careful not to overmix, or the bread might become dense. Alternating helps keep the batter smooth and light.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pans. Tap the pans lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles trapped inside. Bake in your preheated oven for 55-60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze and Cool
While the bread is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to make a smooth glaze. Once the loaves come out of the oven, allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring onto wire racks. While still warm, drizzle the glaze over the bread for that irresistible sweet shine.
How to Serve Delicious Almond Poppy Seed Bread for Cozy Mornings Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of garnish can brighten your presentation and flavor. Try sprinkling sliced almonds on top of the glaze before it sets, or add a bit of lemon zest for an extra fresh punch. Fresh berries on the side also add color and a sweet counterpart.
Side Dishes
This almond poppy seed bread pairs wonderfully with creamy yogurt, fresh fruit salad, or even a smear of classic cream cheese. If you like savory, a bit of butter and sliced avocado on the side make an exceptional breakfast plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the bread and toast it lightly, then spread with almond butter or your favorite jam. You can even cube the bread and toast the cubes for crunchy almond poppy seed bread croutons to sprinkle over salads or desserts—talk about creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because this bread stays moist, it’s best stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping it wrapped prevents it from drying out and keeps all those lovely flavors intact.
Freezing
If you want to keep the bread longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge or on your kitchen counter.
Reheating
To refresh your Delicious Almond Poppy Seed Bread for Cozy Mornings Recipe, pop slices in the toaster or warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-10 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked feel and makes it just as delightful as the first day.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract with another flavor?
Yes, if almond extract is not available, you can try using more vanilla extract or a small amount of amaretto liqueur to maintain that almond-like flavor, though it won’t be exactly the same. The almond extract really makes this bread special, so it’s worth finding if possible.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture might differ slightly, but the bread will still be delicious and moist.
Can I use a different oil instead of canola oil?
Definitely. Vegetable oil, melted coconut oil, or even light olive oil can be used with good results. Each oil will bring a subtly different flavor and texture—coconut oil adds a mild sweetness, while olive oil can add a fruity note.
What if I don’t have fresh orange juice for the glaze?
You can substitute with bottled orange juice or even lemon juice, but fresh juice generally gives the best brightness and flavor. For a different twist, try mixing in a splash of maple syrup or honey for sweetness.
How can I make sure the bread doesn’t become dry?
The key is not to overmix the batter and to bake it just until a toothpick comes out clean. Overbaking or overmixing can cause dryness. Also, using oil rather than butter helps retain moisture, making this bread wonderfully tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about pulling a loaf of almond and poppy seed bread fresh from the oven, especially when it’s this Delicious Almond Poppy Seed Bread for Cozy Mornings Recipe. It’s simple enough for any baker to try, yet with a delicate and special flavor that feels like a treat. So why not grab your mixing bowl and make your mornings just a little bit cozier and more delicious?
Print
Delicious Almond Poppy Seed Bread for Cozy Mornings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Delicious Almond Poppy Seed Bread is perfect for cozy mornings, featuring a moist crumb with a delightful crunch from poppy seeds. Infused with almond and vanilla extracts and brightened with lemon and orange juices, it offers a harmonious balance of sweetness and citrus aroma. Finished with a smooth glazed topping, this bread is an inviting treat for breakfast or snack time.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Canola Oil
- 3 large Eggs
- 1/4 cup Poppy Seeds
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Milk
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Orange Juice
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9×4-inch loaf pans with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, canola oil, eggs, poppy seeds, lemon juice, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all flavors are well incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense.
- Fill Pans: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans, then tap the pans lightly on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the bread is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. While the bread is still warm, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top to create a sweet, citrusy finish.
Notes
- You can substitute canola oil with vegetable or melted coconut oil for different flavor profiles.
- Milk can be replaced with almond or oat milk to make the recipe dairy-free.
- Check the bread early at 55 minutes to avoid overbaking, as ovens may vary.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle additional poppy seeds on top of the glaze before it sets.
