Lemon Poppy Seed Pull-Apart Bread

Lemon Poppy Seed Pull-Apart Bread is a delightful treat that combines the bright flavors of lemon with the nutty crunch of poppy seeds. This soft and fluffy bread, perfect for brunch or as a sweet snack, is fun to pull apart and enjoy. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough
   In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the milk is warm (about 110°F or 45°C). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Lemon Filling
   In a bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, lemon zest, poppy seeds, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Shape the Bread
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread half of the lemon filling evenly over each rectangle of dough. Cut each rectangle into 6-8 strips, then stack the strips on top of each other to create layers. Slice the stacked strips into 6-8 pieces and arrange them upright in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or two greased 8-inch round pans.
5. Second Rise
   Cover the pans with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffed.
6. Bake
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Make the Glaze (Optional)
   While the bread is baking, mix together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to make a glaze. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice if needed.
8. Cool and Glaze
   Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with the lemon glaze if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people. The prep time is about 30 minutes, with a cooking time of 35 minutes, bringing the total time to around 2 hours and 5 minutes, including rising times.

Variations and Substitutions

• Additions: Incorporate nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
• Flavor Twists: Substitute almond extract for lemon for a different twist.
• Different Glazes: Experiment with other citrus glazes like orange or lime for variety.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a bread machine?
   Yes, you can use a bread machine to prepare the dough.
2. What can I serve with this bread?
   This bread pairs well with tea or coffee, making it perfect for brunch.
3. Can I make this bread in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and refrigerate overnight before baking.
4. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
   Yes, you can freeze the unbaked shaped dough and bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
5. What if I don’t have poppy seeds?
   You can omit the poppy seeds or replace them with chia seeds.
6. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but it may affect the texture.
7. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes, the glaze is optional; the bread is delicious on its own.
8. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
   Ensure that your yeast is fresh and that the milk is not too hot, which can kill the yeast.
9. How do I know when the bread is done?
   The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Can I use a different fruit zest?
    Yes, other citrus zests like orange or lime can be used for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Lemon Poppy Seed Pull-Apart Bread is a delightful and refreshing treat that’s perfect for sharing. With its tender, buttery layers and zesty lemon flavor, it makes for a great addition to any meal or occasion. Enjoy this delicious bread warm, and don’t forget the glaze for an extra touch of sweetness!

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