Classic Poppy Seed Bread Recipe | Julie Blanner (2024)

This poppy seed bread recipe is dense, decadent, and so simple to make. The addition of poppy seeds give this quick bread recipe a nutty, delicate texture your family will love!

Poppy seeds lend a nutty, woodsy flavor to baked goods. They add the slightest crunch to this quick bread that is truly craveable!

This fast and fabulous poppy seed quick bread recipe is a classic for the holidays and beyond. It’s a timeless favorite that knows no season – it’s simply chock full of rich, sweet nutty flavor! Psst… don’t miss this lemon poppy seed bread, too!

You’ll even learn how to add a glaze if you prefer, for a sweet finish! All the sweetness of cake, all the ease of a quick bread… what’s not to love?

I’ve got an incredible, FREE quick bread guide that will walk you through each and every recipe in my line-up, along with tips and tricks to enhance your baking experience!

Why You’ll Love this Poppy Seed Bread

• It takes just five minutes hands on time.
• It’s simple to make with staple ingredients you already have in your pantry.
• Minimal dishes to clean – just one bowl and your loaf pan or pans.
• It’s great for gifting! It yields six miniature loaves that are easy to wrap. They make great neighbor, teacher and housewarming gifts!
• They can be made in advance. It stays fresh for days!
• It freezes well. You can freeze a loaf or a slice to enjoy later for breakfasts or snacks.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Sugar– White granulated sugar makes this bread delightfully sweet.
• Flour– All purpose flour is the foundation of this bread.No need to sift.
• Baking Powder– Leavensquick bread, without the fuss! It ensures a nice even rise.
• Salt– A hint of salt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Eggs– The binding agent.
• Milk– Milk adds flavor to quick breads and gives it a beautiful brown color due to caramelization of milk and sugars! You can use whatever you have on hand from skim to Vitamin D, even Almond Milk to make it dairy free.
• Vegetable Oil– Vegetable oilmakes this bread incredibly moist. You can substitute with canola oil, melted butter or melted coconut oil.
• Poppy Seeds – The star of the show! Poppy seeds pack a lot of flavor and crunch into this bread.

How to Make this Poppy Seed Bread

1. Prep – Preheat oven and grease loaf pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine sugar, flour, baking powder and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients – Add egg, milk, and vegetable oil. Blend until just combined.
4. Add Poppy Seeds – Fold in poppy seeds.
5. Bake – Pour into a loaf pan (optional, sprinkle sugar on top). Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

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Tips

• Don’t Overfill Your Loaf Pan– Fill 2/3 full to compensate for rise.
• Use the Toothpick Test – Oven temperatures can vary. Insert a toothpick into the center. When it comes out clean it is done.
• Use the Correct Loaf Pan– Learn more aboutLoaf Pan Sizeshere.
• Soak Poppy Seeds – To maximize poppy seed flavor, simply warm the milk and soak poppy seeds in a small bowl for 30 minutes. It softens the coating and releases even more flavor when baking. Then, add that milk and poppy seed mixture in as directed.
• Toast Poppy Seeds – Alternatively, you can toast poppy seeds in a small skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. Then fold is as directed.

Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this free printableMeasurement Conversion Chart!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store

• Room Temperature – Store quick breadin a sealed plastic bag or covered in saran wrapat room temperature for up to five days.
• Refrigerate – Up to one week in an airtight container.
• Freeze – Wrap them tightly in heavy foil, saran wrap or place them in freezer bags (I like to do at least two to prevent freezer odors from seeping in), and freeze for up to three months. Bring to room temperature to serve.

For more tips and tricks to store quick breads and keep them as fresh as the day they were baked, don’t skipHow to Store Banana Bread.

Dietary Considerations

• Vegetarian
• Nut Free
• To Make Gluten Free – Substitute with a 1:1 gluten free flour alternative.