Description
English Tea Loaf is a traditional British cake, often enjoyed with a cup of tea. It is a moist and fruity loaf, typically made with dried fruits like raisins and currants that have been soaked in tea. The loaf has a rich flavor and a tender crumb, making it a perfect treat for afternoon tea or as a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed tea (black tea)
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey or golden syrup (optional for added sweetness)
Instructions
- Soak the Fruits: Soak the mixed dried fruits in the brewed tea for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf tin.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the flour and mixed spice.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked fruits (including any remaining tea) to the dry ingredients. Mix well.
- Add Sugar and Egg: Stir in the brown sugar and the beaten egg until well combined.
- Optional Sweetness: Add honey or golden syrup if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- This loaf tastes best if left to mature for a day or two, wrapped in foil or cling film.
- You can add a variety of dried fruits or even nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve sliced, with or without butter.
Details
- Prep Time: 4 hours (including soaking time)
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10 slices)
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugars: 20g
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 30mg
Key Takeaway
The English Tea Loaf is a simple yet flavorful traditional British cake, perfect for tea time, made by soaking dried fruits in tea and baking into a moist, sweet loaf.
ENGLISH TEA LOAF
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
English Tea Loaf is a traditional British cake, often enjoyed with a cup of tea. It is a moist and fruity loaf, typically made with dried fruits like raisins and currants that have been soaked in tea. The loaf has a rich flavor and a tender crumb, making it a perfect treat for afternoon tea or as a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed tea (black tea)
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey or golden syrup (optional for added sweetness)
Instructions
- Soak the Fruits: Soak the mixed dried fruits in the brewed tea for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf tin.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the flour and mixed spice.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked fruits (including any remaining tea) to the dry ingredients. Mix well.
- Add Sugar and Egg: Stir in the brown sugar and the beaten egg until well combined.
- Optional Sweetness: Add honey or golden syrup if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- This loaf tastes best if left to mature for a day or two, wrapped in foil or cling film.
- You can add a variety of dried fruits or even nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve sliced, with or without butter.
- Prep Time: 4 hours (including soaking time)
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 3g