English Tea Loaf
Craving a warm, comforting treat perfect for afternoon tea or a satisfying snack? Look no further than the classic English tea loaf! This easy recipe uses readily available ingredients and delivers a moist, flavorful loaf bursting with juicy dried fruit.
The beauty of this tea loaf lies in its straightforward ingredients. Strong brewed black tea adds a subtle yet distinct flavor, while mixed dried fruit provides pops of sweetness and texture. All-purpose flour, baking powder, and cinnamon form the base, and a touch of milk brings the batter together.
Soaking the dried fruit in tea plumps them up and infuses them with flavor. Prefer a richer taste? Swap brown sugar for granulated sugar. For a delightful crunch, add walnuts or pecans. Embrace citrus notes by using Earl Grey tea and orange zest.
This tea loaf is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it warm with butter or elevate your experience with clotted cream for a true taste of England. The loaf keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be frozen for later cravings.
So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on a delightful baking adventure. With this easy recipe, you’ll be savoring a delicious homemade tea loaf in no time!
Questions I often get asked about this recipe:
Can I use a different type of tea besides black tea?
Yes, Earl Grey is a popular option for a citrus twist.
I don’t have any mixed dried fruit, can I use just one kind?
Yes, raisins or cranberries are common choices.
My loaf isn’t browning on top, what can I do?
You can tent the loaf with aluminum foil after 45 minutes of baking.
My loaf seems too dense, what went wrong?
Overmixing the batter can cause this. Try mixing just until the ingredients are combined.
How long will this loaf stay fresh?
The loaf will keep at room temperature for 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What you need to make English Tea Loaf:
1 cup (240 ml) strong brewed black tea (cooled slightly)
1 ½ cups (225 g) mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, cranberries, chopped apricots)
½ cup (113 g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon orange marmalade or apricot jam
1⅔ cups (227 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons milk
Butter to spread and serve
How to make it:
Prep the fruit: In a large bowl, combine the dried fruit and pour over the cooled tea. Let soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
Combine the batter: Drain the soaked fruit, reserving about ¼ cup of the tea mixture. In the bowl with the fruit, stir in the sugar, marmalade, and reserved tea. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Slowly stir in the milk until a batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake the loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the tea loaf cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy with butter or clotted cream for a truly authentic tea time experience.
Tips:
For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Add a ¼ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
Want a citrus twist? Use Earl Grey tea instead of black tea and add a tablespoon of orange zest to the batter.
The tea loaf can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Latest Reviews:
New Baking Favorite! – This tea loaf recipe is a total winner! I’ve always loved a good slice of banana bread, but this is a fantastic twist. The black tea adds a subtle depth of flavor, and the dried fruit gives it such a satisfying chew. Plus, it’s not overly sweet, which is perfect for me. My family devoured it in no time – definitely going into my recipe box! Cassandra D.
Easy and Impressive – I’m not the most confident baker, but this recipe was a breeze! It came together so quickly, and the instructions were super clear. I used a mix of raisins and chopped apricots for the fruit, and it turned out amazing. Definitely serving this at my next brunch – everyone will be asking for the recipe! David M.
Perfect Afternoon Pick-Me-Up! – This tea loaf is exactly what I needed for my afternoon slump. It’s so moist and flavorful, and the warm spices like cinnamon just hit the spot. I love how the recipe gives suggestions for variations too – I can’t wait to try it with Earl Grey tea next time. Thanks for sharing such a delicious and versatile recipe! Tia J.
Printable Recipe:
English Tea Loaf
This easy recipe yields a moist and flavorful tea loaf, perfect for afternoon tea or a quick snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) strong brewed black tea (cooled slightly)
- 1 ½ cups (225 g) mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, cranberries, chopped apricots)
- ½ cup (113 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange marmalade or apricot jam
- 1⅔ cups (227 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prep the fruit: In a large bowl, combine the dried fruit and pour over the cooled tea. Let soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Combine the batter: Drain the soaked fruit, reserving about ¼ cup of the tea mixture. In the bowl with the fruit, stir in the sugar, marmalade, and reserved tea. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Slowly stir in the milk until a batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the tea loaf cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy with butter or clotted cream for a truly authentic tea time experience.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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