Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf Recipe

Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf Recipe is a delightful treat that showcases the rich flavors of soaked dried fruits, enhanced by the warmth of black tea. This no-butter fruit loaf is perfect for various occasions, whether it’s an afternoon tea gathering or a cozy family dessert. Its moist texture and unique taste make it a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy a simple yet satisfying bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Flavorful: The overnight soaking process infuses the loaf with rich flavors from the mixed dried fruits and tea.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a snack, breakfast option, or dessert. It pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.
• No Butter Needed: This recipe uses no butter, making it lighter while still being incredibly moist and delicious.
• Great for Sharing: With eight servings, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family at gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf, ensure you have all the necessary tools at hand for a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Loaf tin
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Loaf tin: Provides the right shape for the loaf to bake evenly.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by blending everything thoroughly.
• Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure no ingredients are left behind.

Ingredients

For the Fruit Mixture

• 250g mixed dried fruit
• 250ml hot, strong black tea
• 2 tbsp caster sugar

For the Cake Batter

• 175g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 egg, beaten

How to Make Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Fruit

1. Combine mixed dried fruit, caster sugar, and hot black tea in a mixing bowl.
2. Cover the bowl and let it soak overnight to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Prepare & Mix

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C/fan 140°C/gas mark 3.
2. Stir in self-raising flour, mixed spice, and beaten egg into the soaked fruit mixture until well combined.

Step 3: Bake

1. Spoon the mixture into a greased and lined 900g loaf tin.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1¼ hours or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
3. Once baked, cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Now you can enjoy your homemade Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf! Perfectly moist with an aromatic blend of flavors, this recipe will certainly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

How to Serve Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf Recipe

Mary Berry’s Tea Loaf is a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Butter or Spread

• Butter: A classic choice, spreading a thin layer of butter on a warm slice adds richness.
• Fruit Jam: Pair with your favorite fruit jam for a sweet touch that complements the dried fruit.

As a Dessert

• Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and fluffy addition to your tea loaf.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the moist loaf.

Accompanied by Beverages

• Tea: Enjoy with a cup of strong black tea to match the flavors in the loaf.
• Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee balances the sweetness of the fruit loaf perfectly.

How to Perfect Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your loaf remains moist and flavorful.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check that your dried fruits and flour are fresh for optimal flavor.
• Soak Overnight: Allowing the fruit to soak overnight in tea enhances moisture and flavor.
• Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is calibrated correctly; an even temperature is key for baking.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep the loaf light and airy without overworking the batter.
• Cool Completely: Letting the loaf cool fully on a wire rack ensures it slices neatly without crumbling.

Best Side Dishes for Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Mary Berry’s Tea Loaf can elevate any meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors nicely.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness to your plate.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cheddar for a savory contrast.
3. Nuts and Dried Fruits: A small bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits can enhance flavors and add texture.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome side dish.
5. Cucumber Sandwiches: Light cucumber sandwiches offer a crisp and refreshing bite alongside.
6. Herbal Tea Infusion: A soothing herbal tea can be served as an accompaniment, enhancing relaxation while enjoying dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help you achieve the perfect Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Not soaking the fruit long enough: If you don’t soak the mixed dried fruit overnight, it won’t absorb enough moisture. Always allow ample time for soaking.
• Using cold tea: Ensure the tea is hot when combining it with the dried fruit. Cold tea won’t properly infuse the flavors.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense loaf. Stir until just combined for a lighter texture.
• Neglecting to line the loaf tin: Forgetting to grease and line your loaf tin can result in sticking. Always line with baking paper for easy removal.
• Not testing for doneness: Failing to check if the loaf is cooked through may leave you with a soggy center. Use a skewer; it should come out clean when done.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil for best results.

Freezing Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf Recipe

• Freeze slices wrapped individually for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 160°C and warm slices for about 10 minutes. This helps retain moisture.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15–20 seconds until warm, but be mindful not to dry them out.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf Recipe that might help you as you prepare this delightful treat.

What is a Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf Recipe?

The Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf Recipe is a moist fruit loaf made by soaking dried fruits in strong black tea, creating rich flavors without butter.

Can I customize the fruit in my tea loaf?

Absolutely! You can use any mix of dried fruits like apricots, raisins, or cranberries based on your preference.

How long does Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months when frozen.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a plant-based alternative such as flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce.

Final Thoughts

The Mary Berry​ Tea Loaf Recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. With its moist crumb and rich flavor from soaked fruits, it’s perfect as a dessert or snack. Feel free to customize it with your favorite dried fruits or spices and enjoy this delightful treat anytime!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Mary Berry Tea Loaf Recipe

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Indulge in the delightful Mary Berry Tea Loaf Recipe, a moist and flavorful fruit cake that showcases a medley of dried fruits soaked in robust black tea. This no-butter loaf is perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed as a sweet snack during afternoon tea or served as a comforting dessert after a family meal. Its unique preparation method allows for rich flavors to develop overnight, resulting in a tender crumb that pairs beautifully with both tea and coffee. Easy to make and versatile, this tea loaf can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making it a staple recipe to add to your baking repertoire.

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Ingredients

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• 250g mixed dried fruit
• 250ml hot, strong black tea
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
• 175g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 egg, beaten

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Instructions

1. Soak the mixed dried fruit with caster sugar and hot black tea in a mixing bowl overnight.
2. Preheat your oven to 160°C (fan 140°C/gas mark 3).
3. Stir in self-raising flour, mixed spice, and the beaten egg into the soaked mixture until well combined.
4. Pour the batter into a greased and lined 900g loaf tin.
5. Bake for 1 to 1¼ hours or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 70g)
• Calories: 167
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 0.7g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg