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Mary Berry Tea Bread

Mary Berry Tea Bread
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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Dried Fruits

  1. Place the mixed dried fruits in a large mixing bowl.
  2. 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

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

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  1. 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

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

Step 5: Bake the Tea Bread

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spoon.
  2. 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

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

Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/mary-berry-tea-bread-recipe/