Orange Poppy Seed Bread

This orange poppy seed bread is soft, bright, and full of citrus flavor. The tender crumb, crunchy poppy seeds, and sweet orange glaze on top make every slice so good. It's easy to make and great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert.

Love baking with citrus? Try our orange blueberry crumble cake or cranberry orange muffins next.

This orange poppy seed bread was first published in June 2017. I updated the photos and text, then republished it in March 2026.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Orange Bread Recipe
• Ingredients Needed
• Fun Variations
• How To Make Orange Poppy Seed Bread
• BruCrew Tips
• Storing and Freezing
• More Sweet Bread Recipes
• Recipe

Living in Florida means fresh oranges are always easy to find, but this time of year is my favorite. February and March are peak citrus season, so I get even more excited to bake with them.

I've made quite a few citrus recipes over the years, like my orange donuts and orange sweet rolls. But this loaf definitely took a little more work to get just right. This simple recipe turned into multiple test batches. Some were gummy, some were dry, and I almost gave up.

But I still had too many oranges on my counter to quit. Plus, I love how my kitchen smells after juicing and zesting oranges, so I kept testing. The game changer was adding a little sour cream to the batter!

That addition gave this orange poppy seed bread a softer texture and just the right amount of moisture. It's soft, moist, and packed with citrus flavor in every bite.

Ingredients Needed

This orange loaf recipe uses basic ingredients found in most kitchens. Just pick up some oranges and poppy seeds before you begin. Scroll down to find the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds tenderness and moisture to the loaf. For best results, use canola, avocado, or melted coconut oil.
• Navel Oranges: For this recipe, you will need 4 medium to large oranges for the zest and juice.
• Large Egg: Provides richness and lift as it bakes.
• Sour Cream: I love using this ingredient in quick breads because it adds tenderness and moisture. You can also use Greek yogurt if that's what you have.
• Extracts: The combination of vanilla extract and orange extract enhances the citrus flavor.
• All Purpose Flour: Adds structure to the other ingredients. Fluff and spoon or use a kitchen scale for best results.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Using both provides the right lift during baking.
• Buttermilk: Adds extra liquid to the batter and a tangy flavor.
• Poppy Seeds: Add a slightly nutty flavor and a tiny crunch, and make the bread look pretty.
• Simple Orange Glaze: Powdered sugar and orange juice create a sweet topping.

How To Make Orange Poppy Seed Bread

This orange quick bread is easy to make with one bowl and a mixer. Follow these simple steps, and you will have a delicious loaf in the oven before you know it.

1. Stir the sugar and orange zest in a large bowl, then stir in the oil. Add the egg, extracts, and sour cream, then mix again.
2. Add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the sugar mixture and beat just until everything is combined. Do not overmix!
3. Gently stir the poppy seeds into the batter, then pour it into a prepared bread pan.
4. Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the bread to cool in the hot pan for 10 minutes, then flip it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

BruCrew Tips

• Prep your loaf pan. Spray it with nonstick baking spray, then sprinkle granulated sugar on the bottom and sides. This gives the baked bread a sweet, crunchy exterior.
• Use fresh oranges for the best flavor. Remove the zest first, then roll them gently on the counter to release the juices.
• Infuse the sugar. Rubbing the sugar and zest first releases the oils, which absorb into the sugar, making the orange flavor stronger.
• Do not overmix! Too much mixing creates a tough, dense bread.
• Let the bread cool completely. If it is slightly warm, the glaze can melt and slide right off.
• Serving suggestions for brunch. Serve the quick bread with a pitcher of pineapple orange punch.

Storing and Freezing

On the Counter: Store the orange quick bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

In the Freezer: Skip the glaze and freeze the whole loaf or slices of bread in layers of plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bread in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.

More Sweet Bread Recipes

• Marble Loaf Cake
• Lemon Loaf
• Birthday Cake Banana Bread
• Pistachio Bread
• Pineapple Zucchini Bread

Do you love a recipe you tried from Inside BruCrew Life? 

Please leave a 5-star ⭐️ rating and a review in the comments section below.