Almond – Glazed Poppy Seed Bread

🍞 Almond-Glazed Poppy Seed Bread 🌰

Almond-Glazed Poppy Seed Bread is a delightful and flavorful baked treat that combines the nutty goodness of almonds with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. This sweet bread is often enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or even as a breakfast item, making it a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.

📜 History:
The exact origin of Almond-Glazed Poppy Seed Bread is a bit hazy, but it likely has its roots in European baking traditions. Poppy seeds have been used in baked goods for centuries, and almonds have also been a popular ingredient in European cuisine. Over time, these ingredients came together to create this delectable treat.

🧁 Components:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup poppy seeds
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp almond extract
• For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp almond extract

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs and Almond Extract: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the almond extract.

5. Alternate Flour and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle sliced almonds on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until you have a smooth glaze.

9. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the almond glaze over the top.

10. Slice and Serve: Slice the bread and serve it with your favorite hot beverage or enjoy it as a sweet treat any time of the day.

⏰ Time Needed:
Preparing Almond-Glazed Poppy Seed Bread typically takes about 15-20 minutes for prep, 50-60 minutes for baking, and additional time for cooling and glazing, so you should set aside roughly 2 hours from start to finish.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful Almond-Glazed Poppy Seed Bread, a perfect balance of nuttiness and sweetness in every bite! 🍞🌰😋

Certainly! Here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving of Almond-Glazed Poppy Seed Bread (1 slice):

• Calories: Approximately 220-250 calories per slice.
• Total Fat: About 10-12 grams.
• Saturated Fat: Around 4-5 grams.
• Cholesterol: Approximately 30-40 milligrams.
• Sodium: About 180-220 milligrams.
• Total Carbohydrates: Roughly 30-35 grams.
• Dietary Fiber: About 1-2 grams.
• Sugars: Approximately 15-18 grams.
• Protein: Around 3-4 grams.

Health Information:

1. Moderation: Almond-Glazed Poppy Seed Bread is a sweet treat and should be enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar and calorie content.

2. Almonds: Almonds provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are also a good source of vitamin E and essential minerals like magnesium.

3. Poppy Seeds: Poppy seeds add a unique crunch to the bread and are a source of dietary fiber and essential minerals like calcium and iron.

4. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes as excessive consumption can contribute to calorie intake.

5. Added Sugar: The glaze on the bread contributes to the sugar content. Consider reducing the amount of glaze for a lower sugar option.

6. Balanced Diet: Enjoy Almond-Glazed Poppy Seed Bread as part of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for overall nutrition.

Remember that the exact nutrition content can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used, so it’s a good idea to check the nutrition label if you have store-bought bread or use a nutrition calculator for homemade versions. Enjoy this delicious treat in moderation as part of a balanced diet. 🍞🌰😊