Immerse yourself in the comforting embrace of this tea-infused fruit loaf, a delightful blend of mixed dried fruits and a warm, spicy aroma that fills your kitchen. This loaf brings the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and everything nice, making it an irresistible treat. With the flexibility to use your favorite tea blend and an array of dried fruits, this recipe invites you to create a personalized treat that speaks to your soul.
Why You’ll Love This:
This tea loaf is not just a treat; it’s a warm hug in the form of food. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to enjoy it freshly baked with a dollop of butter melting on top or as a delightful breakfast option, especially during festive seasons like Easter. The combination of spices and the gentle infusion of tea into the fruits offer a unique flavor profile that’s both comforting and invigorating.
Perfect Occasion:
Whether it’s a cozy morning breakfast, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a comforting dessert after dinner, this tea-infused fruit loaf fits beautifully into any part of your day. It’s especially perfect for holiday gatherings, Easter brunches, or simply when you crave something sweet yet wholesome.
Decoration Tips:
Enhance the rustic charm of this loaf by drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top once it’s cooled. For a festive touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or colorful dried fruits on top of the glaze. Serving it on a wooden board alongside a pot of freshly brewed tea adds to the cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Ingredients:
- A blend of dried fruits (170g), or raisins for simplicity
- Optional: Chopped pitted dates (100g)
- 2 tea bags of your choice
- Boiling water
- Plant-based milk (250ml)
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Self-raising flour (250g)
- Light brown sugar (200g), make sure it’s soft
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
- A teaspoon of mixed spice for that warm flavor
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C) with the fan on. Prepare a 1lb loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the dried fruit, dates (if you’re including them), and tea bags. Pour boiling water over them and stir. Let this sit for 30 minutes to soften the fruits.
- In another bowl, mix the plant-based milk with either apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
- To the milk mixture, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and mixed spice. Use a whisk to mix until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- After draining the water from the fruits and removing the tea bags, incorporate the fruits into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly spread.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a skewer—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
- Let it cool on a wire rack before removing it from the pan. This loaf is exceptionally delicious when still slightly warm from the oven.
Enjoy this delightful tea-infused fruit loaf, a perfect blend of comfort, spice, and everything nice!
