Quick & Cozy Jamie Oliver Tea Loaf Recipe for Sweet Moments

Tea loaf resonates with comfort and nostalgia, bringing warmth to any kitchen gathering.

Soft, moist, and delightfully aromatic, this classic British treat transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Brewing tea creates a rich liquid base that infuses dried fruits with incredible depth and sweetness.

Mixing pantry staples becomes an effortless culinary adventure that sparks joy and connection.

Rich dried fruits absorb steaming tea, creating a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Fragrant spices and sweet raisins dance together, promising a sensory experience beyond ordinary baked goods.

Home bakers of all skill levels can master this delectable recipe with confidence: let the baking begin!

Why Jamie Oliver’s Tea Loaf Recipe Is Perfect for Afternoon Tea

• Soak and Infuse with Tea Magic: This recipe transforms ordinary dried fruits by soaking them overnight in freshly brewed tea, creating a deeply rich and complex flavor profile that makes every bite extraordinary.
• Foolproof Baking for Everyone: With simple step-by-step instructions and minimal technical skills required, this tea loaf welcomes bakers of all levels to create a deliciously moist and impressive homemade treat without stress or complicated techniques.
• Comfort in Every Slice: Packed with warm spices and soft, tender fruit, this tea loaf delivers a cozy, nostalgic experience perfect for afternoon tea, breakfast, or a comforting snack that feels like a warm hug from your favorite bakery.
• Quick and Minimal Ingredient Prep: Requiring just one bowl, standard pantry ingredients, and minimal prep time, this recipe offers a hassle-free baking experience that produces a stunning result with maximum flavor and minimal effort.

Key Ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s Tea Loaf

• Sultanas, Raisins: Sweet and plump dried grapes that add natural sweetness and moisture to the tea loaf, best when soft and glossy.

• Black Tea: Freshly brewed tea for soaking dried fruits, providing depth of flavor and helping to soften the fruits.

• Plain Flour: The primary structure builder for the tea loaf, all-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Baking Powder: Helps the loaf rise and creates a light, tender texture.
• Mixed Spice: A warm blend of traditional baking spices that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Soft Light Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the loaf moist.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Large Eggs: Crucial for structure, helping to hold the loaf together and adding moisture.

• Baking Parchment or Liner: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking of the loaf.
• Foil: Optional covering to prevent over-browning during baking.

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Tea Loaf Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Fruit Soak

Combine sultanas and raisins in a large bowl. Pour hot freshly brewed tea over the fruits. Let the mixture soak overnight at room temperature to infuse flavors and soften fruits.

• Sultanas
• Raisins
• Hot tea

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, blend all dry ingredients until well combined.

• Plain flour
• Baking powder
• Soft light brown sugar
• Mixed spice

Step 3: Create Batter

Whisk together wet ingredients and combine with soaked fruits and dry mixture. Stir until smooth and no flour streaks remain.

• Melted unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• Soaked fruits with tea liquid
• Dry ingredient mixture

Step 4: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 170°C/325°F. Line a loaf tin with baking parchment, ensuring sides are fully covered.

Step 5: Bake Loaf

Pour batter into prepared tin. Bake for 60-75 minutes. If top browns too quickly, cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove loaf from oven. Let rest in tin for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and allow to cool completely. Slice and enjoy with tea or coffee.

Advice for an Impressive Jamie Oliver Tea Loaf

• Customize Creatively: Experiment with unique spices, nuts, or dried fruits to make this tea loaf truly your own culinary masterpiece.
• Prevent Burning Smartly: Vigilantly monitor the loaf during baking, using a skewer to test doneness and avoid overcooking.
• Boost Nutrition Naturally: Swap white flour for wholemeal to add a delightful nutty flavor and extra nutritional value.
• Maximize Fruit Flavor: Thoroughly soak dried fruits in hot tea for 15-20 minutes, ensuring plump, juicy bites bursting with tea-infused goodness.
• Select Premium Tea: Pick a robust tea like English breakfast or Earl Grey to elevate the entire loaf's flavor profile, transforming an ordinary recipe into something extraordinary.

Preserving Jamie Oliver’s Tea Loaf Recipe

• Refrigeration Avoidance: Keep your tea loaf far from the refrigerator. Cold temperatures transform the bread's soft texture into a dry, crumbly mess. Cool rooms with stable temperatures work best for preserving the loaf's delightful moisture and tender crumb.
• Airtight Container Strategy: Select a sturdy, sealed container with a tight-fitting lid. Ceramic or plastic containers block moisture and prevent staleness. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess condensation, ensuring your tea loaf remains perfectly fresh for several days.
• Freezing Technique: Slice the loaf before freezing for ultimate convenience. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen slices stay delicious for up to 3 months – just thaw at room temperature for a quick, tasty treat.

Fun Variations on Jamie Oliver’s Tea Loaf

• Nutty Crunch Edition: Add 100g of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and rich, earthy flavor. Toast the nuts lightly before mixing to enhance their natural oils and depth.
• Citrus Zest Boost: Mix in the zest of one orange or lemon into the dry ingredients for a bright, fresh undertone. The citrus will complement the warm spices and add a subtle, tangy note to the tea loaf.
• Chocolate Chip Comfort: Fold 100g of dark chocolate chips into the batter just before pouring into the tin. The melted chocolate will create delicious pockets of richness throughout the cake, transforming the traditional recipe into a more indulgent treat.
• Spiced Fruit Medley: Replace standard sultanas and raisins with a mixed dried fruit blend including cranberries, chopped apricots, and dried cherries. This variation will introduce more complex fruit flavors and interesting color variations to the classic tea loaf.

Parting Note on Jamie Oliver’s Tea Loaf Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s tea loaf emerges as royal British comfort, weaving traditional flavors into each delectable slice.

Sweet dried fruits mingling with warm spices create a symphonic experience beyond typical baking expectations.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this simple yet profound recipe passed through familial kitchens.

Rich aromas promise nostalgia with each tender crumb, transforening humble ingredients into culinary poetry.

Pure British baking tradition lives within this uncomplicated masterpiece that connects generations through shared moments.

Passionate bakers and curious souls: dive into this recipe, share your delightful creation across social platforms, and spark conversations around this quintessential British treat.

Jamie Oliver Tea Loaf Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s classic tea loaf celebrates British baking traditions with a moist, fruity quick bread packed with dried fruits soaked in strong black tea. Rich dried fruit and warm spices create a comforting slice perfect for afternoon tea or breakfast, inviting you to savor a delightful taste of heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Dried Fruits:

• 150 g (¾ cup) sultanas
• 150 g (¾ cup) raisins

Dry Ingredients:

• 250 g (2 cups + 1 tablespoon) plain (all-purpose) flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 200 g (1 cup + 2 tablespoons) soft light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) freshly made tea (using 2 tea bags)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

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Instructions

1. Immerse 5.3 ounces (150 grams) each of sultanas and raisins in 10.1 fluid ounces (300 milliliters) of freshly brewed tea, allowing them to soak overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Preheat the oven to 170°C (325°F) and prepare a 2-pound loaf tin by lining it with baking parchment, ensuring complete coverage of the interior surfaces.
3. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine 8.8 ounces (250 grams) of plain flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 7.1 ounces (200 grams) of soft light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of mixed spice until evenly distributed.
4. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and whisk together with 2 large eggs in a separate container.
5. Pour the butter and egg mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the tea-soaked raisins and sultanas along with any residual liquid.
6. Gently fold all ingredients until a consistent, well-integrated batter forms, taking care not to overmix.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
8. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes, monitoring the top’s color and covering with aluminum foil if it begins to darken too quickly.
9. Once baking is complete, remove from the oven and allow the loaf to rest in the tin for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
10. Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire cooling rack, letting it cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Select premium tea leaves that complement the bread’s rich, hearty flavor profile, enhancing every delicious bite.
• Generously steep dried fruits in hot tea, allowing them to absorb maximum moisture and develop deep, complex flavor notes.
• Incorporate wholemeal flour for a robust, nutty texture that adds nutritional value and depth to the traditional bread recipe.
• Experiment boldly with personalized mix-ins like cinnamon, chopped nuts, or alternative dried fruits to create a unique culinary experience.
• Monitor baking progress carefully, using a skewer to test doneness and prevent potential over-browning or dry texture.
• Allow the freshly baked loaf to rest completely before slicing, ensuring structural integrity and optimal moisture retention.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts, Drinks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg