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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and whisk together with 2 large eggs in a separate container.
- Pour the butter and egg mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the tea-soaked raisins and sultanas along with any residual liquid.
- Gently fold all ingredients until a consistent, well-integrated batter forms, taking care not to overmix.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- 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.
- Once baking is complete, remove from the oven and allow the loaf to rest in the tin for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
- 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