Description

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.

Ingredients

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.

Instructions

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.