Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread Recipe

The Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread is a classic British loaf that’s packed with fiber, sweetness, and flavor. Using All-Bran cereal as a key ingredient, this tea bread is both wholesome and delicious. It’s perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea, as a breakfast loaf, or as an afternoon snack. The bread has a lovely moist texture and is subtly sweet, thanks to the dried fruit and brown sugar.

What is Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread?

Mary Berry’s All-Bran Tea Bread is a dense, moist loaf made using All-Bran cereal, dried fruit, and brown sugar, creating a fiber-rich, sweet bread that’s perfect for tea time. The loaf is made by soaking the cereal in tea, which gives the bread its unique flavor and texture. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it a quick bake for any skill level.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Wholesome and Healthy: Packed with fiber from the All-Bran cereal and dried fruits.
• Perfect for Tea Time: A classic British treat that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and doesn’t require any special equipment.
• Moist and Flavorful: The tea-soaked All-Bran and dried fruits create a moist, tender loaf with a hint of sweetness.
• Versatile: Can be served on its own, with butter, or even with a spread of jam.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread

• All-Bran cereal (100g): The main fiber ingredient that gives the bread its texture.
• Self-raising flour (225g): The base that helps the bread rise.
• Light brown sugar (100g): Adds sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• Mixed dried fruit (225g): A combination of raisins, currants, and sultanas adds sweetness and texture.
• Milk (300ml): Moistens the All-Bran and forms the batter.
• Egg (1 large): Binds the ingredients together.
• Tea (150ml, brewed and cooled): Used to soak the dried fruit and All-Bran for added flavor.
• Ground cinnamon (optional, ½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle warm spice to the loaf.

Equipment

• Mixing bowls: For combining the ingredients.
• Loaf tin (900g/2lb): For baking the tea bread.
• Spatula: For mixing and scraping the batter.
• Parchment paper: To line the loaf tin for easy removal.
• Whisk: To beat the egg and milk together.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin with parchment paper.

Step 2: Soak the All-Bran and Fruit

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the All-Bran cereal, mixed dried fruit, and brown sugar. Pour over the brewed tea and stir to combine. Let this mixture soak for about 10-15 minutes to soften the cereal and plump up the dried fruit.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk together until well combined.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• Sift the self-raising flour (and cinnamon, if using) into the soaked All-Bran and fruit mixture. Stir everything together until the flour is fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually pour the egg and milk mixture into the All-Bran and flour mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined and the batter is smooth.

Step 6: Transfer to the Loaf Tin

• Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake the Tea Bread

• Place the loaf tin in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

• Once baked, remove the tea bread from the oven and let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Slice and serve on its own, or spread with butter or jam for an extra treat.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread

• Butter: A simple spread of butter enhances the moist, sweet flavor of the bread.
• Jam or Marmalade: Add a fruity touch with your favorite jam or marmalade.
• Cream Cheese: For a tangy, creamy contrast, spread with cream cheese.
• Honey: A drizzle of honey adds a touch of natural sweetness.
• Cup of Tea: Perfectly paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread

• Use Strong Tea: Brew a strong cup of tea to soak the fruit and cereal, which adds depth to the flavor of the bread.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined to avoid a dense loaf.
• Test for Doneness: Use a skewer or toothpick to check the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the tea bread is ready.
• Let the Bread Cool: Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to avoid it crumbling.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread

• Nutty Version: Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
• Spiced Tea Bread: Increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for a spiced loaf.
• Orange Zest: Stir in the zest of one orange for a citrusy twist that complements the dried fruit.
• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips for a sweeter, more indulgent tea bread.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread

• Room Temperature: Store the tea bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for Longer Storage: If you want to keep it fresh longer, store the bread in the fridge, where it will last for up to a week.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the cooled tea bread tightly in cling film and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread

• Toaster or Oven: Reheat slices of tea bread in the toaster or a low oven at 160°C (320°F) for a few minutes to restore its warmth and texture.
• Microwave: Warm individual slices in the microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.

How Can I Make Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread Healthier?

• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the self-raising flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Reduce the Sugar: Cut back on the brown sugar by 25g for a less sweet loaf.
• Add Seeds: Stir in a tablespoon of chia or flax seeds for an extra fiber boost.
• Use Plant-Based Milk: Replace regular milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 20g

FAQs

Can you freeze Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread?

Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread. Once fully cooled, wrap the bread tightly in cling film and aluminum foil. It will be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How do you keep All Bran Tea Bread moist?

To keep All Bran Tea Bread moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If storing longer, refrigerate the bread to retain moisture, and bring it to room temperature before serving.

Can I make Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread without sugar?

Yes, you can reduce or replace the sugar in Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread. Consider using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in place of sugar, or reduce the amount of brown sugar used in the recipe.

How long does Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread last?

Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread lasts up to 3 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. If refrigerated, it will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Final Words

The Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread is a wholesome, delicious, and easy-to-make loaf that’s perfect for any time of the day. With its rich flavor from the tea-soaked dried fruit and All-Bran cereal, this bread is packed with fiber and nutrients while being moist and tender.

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