Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery of dreams with this irresistible Almond Poppy Bread that will make your taste buds dance with delight! Imagine a moist, tender loaf infused with the delicate nutty essence of almonds and the subtle crunch of poppy seeds - a recipe so magical, it'll become your new go-to comfort food. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this American-style bread promises to elevate your home baking game and impress everyone who takes a single bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a uniform mixture.
- Pour in the milk and almond extract to the butter mixture. Stir until all wet ingredients are completely incorporated and well blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can result in a tough bread.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to ensure an even rise during baking.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
- Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light almond glaze before serving for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread.
- Check Freshness of Ingredients: Use fresh baking powder and baking soda to ensure proper rising.
- Even Baking: Rotate your loaf pan halfway through baking to ensure uniform browning and cooking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure and moisture.
- Storage Tip: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for 3-4 days.
- Customize Your Glaze: Experiment with a simple almond or vanilla glaze to add an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
