Mary Berry Tea Bread Recipe

The Mary Berry Tea Bread is a classic British recipe that’s perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee. This tea bread is packed with flavor from dried fruits soaked in tea, creating a moist and tender loaf with a slightly sweet taste. It’s simple to make, requires no yeast, and is an ideal bake for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Mary Berry Tea Bread

Mary Berry Tea Bread is a traditional fruit loaf where dried fruits like raisins or sultanas are soaked in tea to plump them up and infuse the loaf with moisture. The bread is lightly spiced and sweetened, making it perfect for slicing and serving with butter or jam. It’s a popular teatime treat in Britain, known for its simplicity and delicious flavor.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: The soaked dried fruits keep the loaf moist with a rich tea flavor.
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps or special equipment required.
• No Yeast Needed: A quick bread recipe that uses baking powder instead of yeast.
• Perfect for Tea Time: Pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can make it in advance and freeze for later.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Tea Bread

To make one loaf, gather the following ingredients:

• 225g (1 ½ cups) mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas): Provides sweetness and texture to the loaf.
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) strong tea, brewed: Used to soak the dried fruits for extra moisture and flavor.
• 100g (½ cup) light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
• 1 large egg, beaten: Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure to the loaf.
• 225g (1 ¾ cups) self-raising flour: Provides the base of the bread and helps it rise.
• 1 tsp mixed spice (optional): Adds warmth and subtle spiciness to the loaf.

Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to make Mary Berry Tea Bread:

• Mixing bowls: For combining the ingredients.
• 900g (2lb) loaf tin: To bake the tea bread.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
• Whisk or spoon: To mix the ingredients.
• Parchment paper: To line the loaf tin.
• Cooling rack: To cool the bread once baked.

Instructions to Prepare Mary Berry Tea Bread

Step 1: Soak the Dried Fruits

• Place the mixed dried fruits in a large mixing bowl.
• Pour over the brewed tea and allow the fruits to soak for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight. This helps plump up the fruits and infuse them with flavor.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
• Grease and line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin with parchment paper.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• Once the fruits are fully soaked, stir in the light brown sugar and the beaten egg until well combined.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

• Sift in the self-raising flour and mixed spice (if using) into the wet mixture.
• Gently fold everything together until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Tea Bread

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spoon.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Once baked, remove the tea bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes.
• Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
• Serve with butter or your favorite spread.

What Goes Well with Mary Berry Tea Bread?

Here are a few ways to enjoy Mary Berry Tea Bread:

• Butter: Spread with soft butter for a simple and delicious treat.
• Jam or Marmalade: Add a layer of fruit jam or marmalade for extra sweetness.
• Cheese: Pair with cheddar cheese for a savory contrast to the sweet bread.
• Clotted Cream: Spread clotted cream on slices for an indulgent treat.
• Honey: Drizzle honey over slices for a sweet finish.
• Tea or Coffee: Perfectly paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Tea Bread

Follow these tips to ensure your Mary Berry Tea Bread turns out perfect every time:

• Soak the Fruit Overnight: For maximum flavor and moisture, soak the dried fruit overnight in tea.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in the flour to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a dense loaf.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the bread—if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Let the bread cool before slicing to ensure it holds its shape.
• Use Strong Tea: The stronger the tea, the more flavor it will add to the bread.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Tea Bread

Looking to customize your tea bread? Try these variations:

• Nutty Tea Bread: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.
• Citrus Tea Bread: Mix in the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Tea Bread: Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Spiced Tea Bread: Add more spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for extra warmth.
• Cherry Tea Bread: Replace some of the dried fruit with glacé cherries for a sweeter, fruitier version.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Tea Bread

To keep your tea bread fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: You can refrigerate the tea bread for up to 1 week. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Tea Bread

To reheat and enjoy your tea bread warm, follow these methods:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and warm slices for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Microwave individual slices on medium power for 10-15 seconds.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Tea Bread Healthier?

For a healthier version of this tea bread, try these substitutions:

• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Replace some or all of the self-raising flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Reduce Sugar: Lower the amount of sugar by half or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Add Seeds: Incorporate flaxseeds or chia seeds for added nutrition.
• Use Herbal Tea: Substitute black tea with herbal tea like rooibos or green tea for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 230
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 20g
• Fiber: 4g

FAQs

Can I make Mary Berry Tea Bread without soaking the fruit overnight?

Yes, while soaking the fruit overnight gives it the best flavor and texture, you can shorten the soaking time to 1-2 hours. Just ensure that the dried fruit has absorbed enough tea to become plump and soft, which helps keep the bread moist.

Can I use different types of tea for Mary Berry Tea Bread?

Yes, you can use any type of tea for this recipe. Traditional black tea works well, but you can experiment with herbal teas like chai, rooibos, or Earl Grey to add different flavors to the bread.

Why is my tea bread dry?

Tea bread can become dry if overbaked or if there’s not enough liquid to moisten the dried fruit. Make sure to soak the dried fruit long enough and check the bread with a skewer to avoid overbaking. The bread is done when the skewer comes out clean, but still moist.

Can I freeze Mary Berry Tea Bread?

Yes, tea bread freezes well. Once it has cooled completely, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw the bread at room temperature and reheat slices as needed.

Why soak dried fruit in tea?

Soaking dried fruit in tea helps to rehydrate the fruit, making it plumper and juicier, which enhances the texture and moisture of the final bake. The tea also infuses the fruit with extra flavor, adding a rich depth to the dish, especially in recipes like tea bread. This step ensures the fruit stays soft and doesn’t dry out during baking.

Final Words

The Mary Berry Tea Bread Recipe is a delightful, easy-to-make loaf packed with the sweetness of dried fruits and the rich flavor of tea.

With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, it’s an ideal bake for both beginners and experienced bakers. Try it today, and enjoy a slice of this classic treat with your favorite cup of tea!

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