Ingredients

• Wheat flour: 47-500 grams (adjust depending on desired dough consistency)
• Dry yeast: 5 grams
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Poppy seeds: 2 tablespoons
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
• Vinegar: 1 teaspoon
• Egg: 1 (at room temperature)
• Vegetable oil: 25 ml
• Salt: 0.5 teaspoon
• Warm milk: 200 ml
• Soft butter: 50 grams

Steps to Make Soft and Fluffy Poppy Seed Bread

1. Prepare the Dough
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast and helps the bread rise properly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Stir to combine, ensuring the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
   • To the flour mixture, add the frothy milk and yeast mixture, along with the egg, vegetable oil, and vinegar. Mix until the dough begins to come together. The vinegar helps activate the baking soda and ensures the bread rises properly.
   • Add the soft butter and continue to mix until incorporated. The dough will be slightly sticky at this stage.
4. Knead the Dough
   • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as you want the dough to remain soft and moist.
5. First Rise
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The warm environment will encourage the yeast to work its magic and create a light, airy dough.
6. Shape the Bread
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf by folding the edges into the center and rolling it tightly, or divide the dough into smaller pieces to make individual rolls.
   • Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan, or arrange the rolls on a baking sheet.
7. Second Rise
   • Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This final rise will ensure that the bread is light and fluffy once baked.
8. Preheat the Oven
   • While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
9. Bake the Bread
   • Once the dough has completed its second rise, place the bread in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature with a kitchen thermometer—aim for around 190°F (88°C) inside the loaf for perfect doneness.
10. Cool and Serve

• After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing, which will help it retain its texture.

Prep Time

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Rising Time: 1.5 hours (for first rise) + 30-45 minutes (for second rise)
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 2.5–3 hours (including rising time)

Servings

This recipe yields 1 loaf of bread or approximately 8–10 slices, depending on the thickness of your cuts.

Why This Recipe Is Timeless

The appeal of bread is simple: it brings people together. There’s something universally comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. This Soft and Fluffy Poppy Seed Bread is no exception. The addition of poppy seeds gives it a distinctive flavor that enhances the bread’s texture and provides a slight crunch, making it stand out from more traditional bread recipes. The poppy seeds not only add flavor but also serve as a lovely visual contrast against the golden-brown crust.

The simplicity of the ingredients used in this recipe is part of what makes it so timeless. From the familiar warmth of the milk and butter to the earthy depth of the poppy seeds, each ingredient brings something unique to the dish. The bread is soft, light, and fluffy, yet rich and flavorful thanks to the combination of butter and egg.

This recipe’s versatility is another reason why it has stood the test of time. Whether you’re making it to accompany a meal, use for sandwiches, or enjoy it with butter and jam, this bread works well in any context. The ease of preparation, along with the incredible taste, ensures that this recipe will continue to be a staple in kitchens for years to come.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, 1 Slice)

• Calories: 170 kcal
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 190 mg

Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the white flour, but keep in mind that the texture will be denser.

2. What other seeds can I use instead of poppy seeds?
Flax seeds, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds would all work well in this recipe.

3. How can I ensure the bread stays soft?
Make sure to store the bread in an airtight container once it has cooled to preserve its softness.

4. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes! Once the bread has cooled completely, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature or reheat it in the oven for a few minutes.

Tips for Making Soft and Fluffy Poppy Seed Bread

• Use warm milk: Ensure that the milk is warm (not hot) when you add it to the yeast to activate it properly. Too hot or too cold milk can affect the yeast’s ability to rise.
• Don’t rush the rising times: Allow the dough plenty of time to rise. This will ensure your bread is light and airy rather than dense.
• Flour amounts vary: The exact amount of flour can vary depending on the humidity and the type of flour you’re using. Add flour gradually to achieve a dough that is soft but not sticky.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To extend shelf life, freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it in plastic wrap or foil, and place it in a zip-top bag before freezing.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–10 minutes for the best results

Conclusion

Soft and Fluffy Poppy Seed Bread is a recipe that offers both practicality and indulgence. The use of simple ingredients, like milk, butter, and yeast, combined with the distinctive flavor of poppy seeds, creates a bread that is both comforting and sophisticated. The light, airy texture of the bread paired with the richness of butter and egg makes it a perfect accompaniment to any meal, and it’s versatile enough to be used for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed on its own.

What makes this recipe truly timeless is its balance between ease and flavor. It’s the kind of bread you can make any day of the week without requiring fancy equipment or complicated techniques, yet it results in a product that’s worthy of any occasion. As you bake this bread, you’re not only creating a meal—you’re embracing a tradition that has brought joy to countless people for generations.

Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing it with family and friends, Soft and Fluffy Poppy Seed Bread will surely make an impression with its soft texture, delicious flavor, and lovely appearance. It’s the kind of recipe that makes any meal feel more special, and it’s sure to be a bread recipe that you’ll return to time and time again.