Mary Berry'S Perfectly Delicious Tea Loaf Recipe

Mary Berry’s Perfectly Delicious Tea Loaf is a delightful treat that blends the comforting flavors of tea with a moist, flavorful loaf. This recipe is perfect for afternoon tea or as a simple snack at any time of the day. Mary Berry, known for her incredible baking skills and delightful recipes, makes sure that her tea loaf is easy to prepare yet rich in flavor. In this post, we’ll explore the ingredients, the step-by-step process, and some important tips to ensure that your tea loaf turns out perfectly every time! 🍰☕

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Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry’s Tea Loaf

To make this delicious tea loaf, you will need the following ingredients:

<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Amount</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Dried mixed fruit</td> <td>300g (10.5 oz)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Strong black tea (brewed)</td> <td>300ml (10 fl oz)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Self-raising flour</td> <td>250g (9 oz)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Brown sugar</td> <td>100g (3.5 oz)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Butter (softened)</td> <td>75g (2.5 oz)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Eggs</td> <td>2 large</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Mixed spice or cinnamon</td> <td>1 tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Milk</td> <td>2 tbsp</td> </tr> </table>

Note: Make sure to soak the dried fruit in strong black tea for several hours or overnight to enhance the flavor.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Mary+Berry's+Perfectly+Delicious+Tea+Loaf+Recipe" alt="Ingredients for Tea Loaf" /> </div>

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Soak the Dried Fruit

The first step is crucial for ensuring that your tea loaf is moist and flavorful. Start by placing the dried mixed fruit in a bowl and pouring the brewed black tea over it. Allow it to soak for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. This step helps to plump the fruit and infuse it with tea flavors. 🍇🍵

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Soaking+fruit+for+tea+loaf" alt="Soaking dried fruit" /> </div>

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) for a fan oven, or 180°C (356°F) for a conventional oven. Prepare a loaf tin by greasing it or lining it with baking paper to prevent the loaf from sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the soaked fruit (drain any excess liquid) along with the milk, and mix until well combined.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Mixing+tea+loaf+ingredients" alt="Mixing ingredients for tea loaf" /> </div>

Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Sift the self-raising flour and mixed spice or cinnamon into the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.

Step 5: Bake the Loaf

Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Check the loaf halfway through baking; if it’s browning too quickly, you can cover the top with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Baking+tea+loaf" alt="Baking tea loaf" /> </div>

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can slice it and serve it plain or with a spread of butter. Enjoy it with a cup of tea for the perfect pairing! 🍵❤️

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Cooling+tea+loaf" alt="Cooling tea loaf" /> </div>

Tips for the Perfect Tea Loaf

1. Quality of Tea: Use a strong black tea like English Breakfast or Assam for the best flavor. The quality of tea impacts the overall taste of your loaf.

2. Adjust the Fruit: You can customize the dried fruit based on your preference. Feel free to add nuts or replace mixed fruit with sultanas, currants, or raisins.

3. Storage: Wrap the cooled loaf in foil or cling film and store it in an airtight container. It can last for up to a week, and the flavors continue to deepen over time.

4. Serving Suggestions: Serve with butter, cream cheese, or even a slice of cheese for a savory twist.

5. Perfect Pairing: This tea loaf is perfect with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. It adds a cozy element to any gathering or a simple afternoon treat.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Perfectly+Delicious+Tea+Loaf" alt="Mary Berry's Perfect Tea Loaf" /> </div>

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for a slice of Mary Berry’s Perfectly Delicious Tea Loaf:

<table> <tr> <th>Nutrient</th> <th>Value per slice (1/10 of loaf)</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Calories</td> <td>180 kcal</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Protein</td> <td>3g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Fat</td> <td>6g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Carbohydrates</td> <td>30g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Sugar</td> <td>10g</td> </tr> </table>

Important Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Nutritional+information+tea+loaf" alt="Nutritional information" /> </div>

Mary Berry's Perfectly Delicious Tea Loaf Recipe is a delightful addition to any tea time. Whether you are baking it for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, the combination of flavors and textures is bound to impress. Enjoy the baking experience and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen! 🍞✨

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