Preheat oven to 350*F and butter and flour a loaf pan.

Ina large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, canola oil, Eggs, poppy seeds, and almond extract until blended. In a separate bowl, mix together cake flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the two mixtures together and add in the whole milk and pour the batter into the pan and sprinkle on the almonds.

Bake until the top is deep brown and cake tester comes out clean, about 1 1/4 hours. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto the rack and turn right side up and cool completely and dust with confectioners sugar.