Earl Grey tea fruit loaf recipe Drizzle and Dip from drizzleanddip.com
Introduction
Tea loaf is a traditional British sweet treat that is made with dried fruits and tea. This recipe by Mary Berry is easy to follow and produces a delicious loaf that is perfect for an afternoon tea or as a dessert. The best thing about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and will keep for a few days.
Ingredients
225g mixed dried fruit
150ml hot tea (strongly brewed)
1 egg, beaten
225g self-raising flour
1 tsp mixed spice
75g light brown sugar
1 tbsp demerara sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Dried Fruit
Place the mixed dried fruit in a bowl and pour the hot tea over it. Stir to mix and let it sit for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking parchment.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the self-raising flour and mixed spice. Add the light brown sugar and mix again. Then add the beaten egg and soaked fruit (including any remaining liquid) and mix until the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Bake the Loaf
Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and level the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the demerara sugar over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the loaf comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the tea loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with a cup of tea or coffee.
Nutrition
This tea loaf recipe by Mary Berry makes a 2lb loaf and serves 10. Each serving contains approximately:
251 calories
4.2g protein
53.4g carbohydrates
1.7g fat
1.3g fibre
31mg calcium
0.7mg iron
Variations
This tea loaf recipe is versatile and can be adapted to personal preferences. Some variations include:
Adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the mixture.
Using different types of tea such as Earl Grey or green tea.
Adding a tablespoon of marmalade or honey to the mixture for extra sweetness.
Serving the tea loaf with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
Make sure to line the loaf tin with baking parchment to prevent the tea loaf from sticking.
If the top of the tea loaf is browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Soaking the dried fruit in tea overnight will produce a more moist and flavourful loaf.
Leftover tea loaf can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Mary Berry's tea loaf recipe is a classic British treat that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be adapted to personal preferences. The dried fruit and tea combination creates a moist and flavourful loaf that is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Serve with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy!