Can I use vanilla instead of almond extract in this orange poppy seed loaf?

Yes, you 100% can! Just substitute the same amount (1 teaspoon), and you’ll be good to go. The almond adds a nice subtle flavour, but vanilla would taste lovely as well.

How can I make this orange poppy seed loaf taste more orange-y?

If you want a strong orange flavour in your loaf, add an additional 2-3 tablespoons of orange zest (from 1 orange) along with the poppy seeds.

Can I use a different sweetener in this orange poppy seed loaf?

If you want to swap out the honey, it’s best to use another liquid sweetener

Easy Healthy Orange Poppy Seed Loaf

Description

This orange poppy seed loaf is simply STUNNING! Perfectly moist and flavoursome with a hint of orange and a special touch of almond extract. It makes the perfect breakfast or snack with tea when heated up and topped with a little bit of butter and honey. Best of all, you only need one bowl, it's refined sugar-free and made with wholemeal flour!

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 medium eggs
1/2 cup smooth ricotta
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup orange juice (preferably fresh-squeezed, from 1 orange)
1/4 cup soy milk (or almond milk)
1 1/2 cups wholemeal self-raising flour
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1-2 tablespoons orange zest (optional, for a stronger orange flavour)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 180° C (350° F) and line a loaf pan with baking paper.
In a large mixing bowl, add eggs, ricotta, honey and almond extract. Mix well to combine. If there are still a few ricotta clumps, that's alright - they will dissolve while baking.
Next, add the orange juice and soy milk. The juice is best when fresh-squeezed from an orange. I used a small hand-juicer to juice 1 orange beforehand, and it worked perfectly. Mix everything again until the juice and milk are fully incorporated.
Now, add the flour to the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is combined, taking care to scrape down the side of the bowl as you mix.
Once everything is combined, add the poppy seeds and optional orange zest if using. Stir well.
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf tin. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the loaf has risen and a toothpick entered into the centre comes out clean.
Remove loaf from pan and let cool slightly before serving warm. This loaf is wonderfully paired with a small pat of butter and additional drizzle of honey. Serve it alongside tea for the perfect afternoon snack or weekend breakfast.

Notes

Nutrition calculated without optional orange zest.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American, Australian

Nutrition

Calories: 250
Fat: 3.8
Carbohydrates: 46
Protein: 8.3