Description
Jamie Oliver’s Tea Loaf is a moist fruit loaf made with dried fruits soaked in tea, combined with flour, sugar, eggs, and spices. The soaking process makes the dried fruits plump and juicy, resulting in a flavorful and tender loaf. Traditionally served sliced and buttered, this tea loaf is ideal for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
To make one tea loaf, gather the following ingredients:
- 150g (1 cup) mixed dried fruits (e.g., raisins, sultanas, currants): Provides sweetness and flavor.
- 150ml (⅔ cup) strong black tea, brewed: Used to soak the dried fruits for added moisture and flavor.
- 100g (½ cup) brown sugar: Adds a rich sweetness and depth to the loaf.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 225g (1 ¾ cups) self-raising flour: The base of the loaf, providing structure and rise.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a hint of warm spice.
- Butter (for greasing): To grease the loaf tin.
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Dried Fruits
- In a mixing bowl, place the dried fruits.
- Pour the hot brewed tea over the fruits and let them soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. This will plump up the fruits and add extra moisture to the loaf.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a 900g (2lb) loaf tin with butter and line it with baking parchment.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Once the fruits are soaked and plump, stir in the brown sugar and the beaten egg until well combined.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Sift the self-raising flour and cinnamon (if using) into the wet mixture.
- Gently fold the flour into the mixture, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Tin
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Bake the Tea Loaf
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it with foil halfway through baking.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve slices of the tea loaf plain or spread with butter for a delicious snack.