Description
Orange Poppyseed Loaf is a tender citrus loaf that balances bright orange aroma with a delicate crunch from poppy seeds
This loaf uses simple pantry ingredients and an optional orange syrup to boost moisture and shine
Designed for a Thermomix or a stand mixer followed by oven baking the recipe yields a soft crumb and golden top
Serve warm or at room temperature with a light dusting of icing sugar for a pretty finish
Ingredients
For the loaf
300 g all purpose flour
8 g baking powder
1 pinch fine sea salt
15 g grated orange rind no pith
260 g caster sugar
225 g butter softened for stand mixer cold cubes for Thermomix
3 large eggs
190 g milk
30 g poppy seeds
For the syrup optional
50 g icing sugar
50 g fresh orange juice
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 170°C fan and line a 22 x 10 cm loaf pan with parchment
2. Weigh flour baking powder and fine sea salt then blend briefly and set aside this creates an even dry mix
3. Combine caster sugar and grated orange rind then process or rub together until fragrant this releases citrus oils
4. Add softened butter and beat until pale and creamy scrape down the bowl to keep the mix even
5. Have eggs in one bowl and mix milk with poppy seeds in a jug so the poppy seeds stay distributed
6. With mixer on medium add one egg then two heaped tablespoons of the flour mix repeat for all three eggs and portions of flour to prevent curdling
7. Scrape the bowl then add the remaining flour and milk mixture in two alternating portions while mixing this keeps the batter light
8. Pour batter into lined loaf pan smooth the top and place on the center rack bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the center reaches 85°C or a skewer comes out clean
9. While the loaf bakes mix orange juice and icing sugar until smooth to make the syrup
10. When the loaf comes from the oven brush the hot surface with the syrup to let it soak in then cool in the pan for a short time before removing
11. Dust a little icing sugar over the loaf before serving and consider serving with thin slices of glazed orange for extra presentation
Notes
If the butterfly attachment does not turn remove it and mix on speed six for three seconds then refit it the butterfly will only move when the butter reaches the right texture
Avoid including any white pith when zesting orange as that adds bitterness
For consistent results ensure ingredients are measured by weight where possible and the oven temperature is stable
The syrup is optional but highly recommended to keep the crumb moist and brighten the orange flavor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Afternoon Tea, Morning Tea
- Method: Thermomix or stand mixer then oven bake
- Cuisine: Australian style