Poppy Seed Cake
Poppy Seed Bread: A Traditional Recipe for Special Moments
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 2 loaves
Poppy seed bread is an iconic dish, often associated with holidays and joyful family moments. This recipe combines sweet flavors with the fluffy texture of the dough, and the poppy seed filling makes each slice a true delicacy. Let's begin our culinary journey!
Ingredients
- 800 g flour type 000 (for a fluffy dough)
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 100 g sugar
- 40 g fresh yeast
- 1 pinch of salt
- Grated zest of one lemon (for added flavor)
- 100 g soft butter (ideally at room temperature)
- 3 eggs (for a rich and consistent dough)
- 100 g ground poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for the filling)
- Butter for greasing the loaf pan and the breads
Necessary utensils
- A large, tall bowl
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A clean towel
- A loaf pan for the breads
- A preheated oven
Step by step for a perfect bread
1. Preparing the starter
In a large, tall bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Here we will add the fresh yeast. Crumble the yeast into the well, add a teaspoon of sugar and 50 ml of lukewarm milk. Gently knead with your fingers until the yeast dissolves. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 15 minutes.
2. Preparing the dough
After the starter has risen, add the remaining lukewarm milk, sugar, salt, lemon zest, the 3 eggs, and the soft butter. Knead the dough with your hands or with a mixer with a kneading hook until it becomes elastic and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This process takes about 10-15 minutes.
3. Rising the dough
Cover the bowl again with the towel and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 40-50 minutes, until it doubles in volume.
4. Preparing the filling
In a small bowl, mix the ground poppy seeds with the powdered sugar. This combination will add a subtle sweetness to the filling.
5. Shaping the breads
On a floured work surface, turn out the risen dough. Gently knead it to remove the air and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each part into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Evenly sprinkle the poppy seed and sugar mixture over each rolled-out dough.
6. Rolling and placing in the pan
Carefully roll each rectangle, ensuring that the filling does not spill out. Place the rolls in the greased loaf pans. Cover them again with the towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.
7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once the breads have risen, brush them with melted butter or egg yolk for a golden and appetizing crust. Bake for about 40 minutes, until they are golden and rise beautifully.
8. Cooling
After the breads are browned, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan, covered with a clean towel. This will give you a moister and fluffier texture.
Practical tips
- Flour: Make sure to use good quality flour type 000 for a fluffy dough. If you want a more intense flavor, you can combine white flour with a little whole wheat flour.
- Yeast: Use fresh yeast for the best results. If using dry yeast, reduce the amount to 15 g.
- Milk temperature: The milk should be lukewarm, not hot, so as not to kill the yeast.
- Filling: You can experiment with alternative fillings, such as ground nuts or chocolate, to add a personal twist to the recipe.
Nutritional values (per serving)
- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
Possible variations
- Nut bread: Replace the poppy seeds with ground nuts, adding a little cocoa for a more intense flavor.
- Chocolate bread: Add dark chocolate pieces to the filling for a decadent dessert.
Serving suggestions
Serve the bread with a glass of warm milk or a cup of fragrant tea. It is the perfect treat for breakfast or a sweet snack throughout the day. You can sprinkle it with powdered sugar before serving for a festive look!
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the bread keep? The bread keeps well at room temperature, covered with a towel or in an airtight container, for 3-5 days.
- Can I freeze the bread? Yes, the bread can be frozen. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature.
This poppy seed bread recipe is not just a delicious dessert, but also a wonderful way to bring the family together around the table. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or other holidays, each slice is a celebration of flavors and traditions. Enjoy cooking and savor every moment!
Ingredients: 800 g flour type 000, 250 ml warm milk, 100 g sugar, 40 g yeast, salt, lemon zest, 100 g soft butter, 3 eggs, 100 g ground poppy seeds, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, butter for one baking tray and the cake.
