Mary Berrys Classic Tea Loaf Recipe - Easy & Delicious!

The aroma of a freshly baked tea loaf is one of the most comforting scents in the world of home baking. 🍞 With Mary Berry's Classic Tea Loaf Recipe, you're not just making a cake; you're crafting an experience that marries tradition with flavor. This iconic British bake is celebrated for its simplicity and heart-warming taste, making it a staple in afternoon tea ceremonies and an essential skill for any aspiring baker.

Ingredients for Mary Berry's Classic Tea Loaf 🌰

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• 175g currants
• 175g sultanas
• 300ml strong hot tea (use Earl Grey for an aromatic twist)
• 275g self-raising flour
• 175g light muscovado sugar
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 50g of mixed peel (optional for extra zestiness)

Preparation 🥄

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Soaking the fruit in tea overnight is the secret to achieving the luscious moistness of this loaf. Here's how to prepare:

1. Soak Overnight: Place the currants and sultanas in a large bowl, pour over the hot tea, and let it sit overnight. This process lets the fruits plump up, ensuring a juicy result. 🍵

2. Preheat Oven: The next day, when you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 150°C (fan)/170°C (conventional)/Gas 3. Line a 2lb loaf tin with parchment paper.

3. Add Sugar and Eggs: Mix the sugar into the soaked fruit. Then, add the beaten eggs, ensuring the mixture is well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour into the wet mixture. Add the lemon zest, juice, and if you wish, the mixed peel. Stir gently until everything is well mixed. Be careful not to overmix to keep the loaf light.

5. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared tin, and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check with a skewer; if it comes out clean, the loaf is ready. If not, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

6. Cooling: Let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

<p class="pro-note">🌟 Note: To test the doneness, insert a skewer into the middle of the loaf. It should come out with no wet batter clinging to it.</p>

Tips for the Perfect Tea Loaf 🍽️

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• Choose Your Tea: Earl Grey is highly recommended for its subtle bergamot flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite blend to alter the loaf's taste profile.

• Fruit Variations: While currants and sultanas are traditional, consider adding other dried fruits like cherries or cranberries for a modern twist.

• Glaze or Dust: After baking, you can glaze the loaf with some lemon or orange icing for extra flavor and gloss, or simply dust with icing sugar for a classic presentation.

• Storing: This loaf keeps well in an airtight container for several days and can even be frozen for later enjoyment.

<p class="pro-note">🍋 Note: If you're using lemon zest, make sure it's finely grated to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the loaf.</p>

Serving Suggestions 🎂

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• Slice and Share: Serve warm slices with a dollop of clotted cream or a good-quality butter.

• Perfect Pairing: Accompany with a cup of tea for the ultimate afternoon indulgence. It's also delightful with a glass of sherry or a sweet dessert wine.

• For Special Occasions: This loaf can be cut into thick slices and served at weddings, christenings, or any time you want to bring some British charm to the table.

The History of the Tea Loaf 📚

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Tea loaves have been enjoyed in the UK for centuries. The tradition of baking with dried fruit dates back to medieval times when sugar was scarce and fruits like currants were abundant. The soaking method, which is essential for this recipe, developed as a way to use leftover tea and to soften the fruit, providing moisture and a distinctive taste. Mary Berry's recipe combines this age-old technique with her expertise, creating a loaf that's both traditional and irresistible.

<p class="pro-note">📜 Note: The use of tea in baking was also a way to make fruit palatable in times when sugar was a luxury.</p>

Mary Berry, known for her culinary wisdom and her approachable style on shows like the Great British Bake Off, brings this loaf into the modern era with her signature touch, ensuring it's as delicious as it is accessible.

Now that you've baked this classic, you're ready to serve a slice of history and home with every bite. 🍵

FAQs

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use other types of tea instead of Earl Grey?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! English Breakfast or Darjeeling can also add a unique flavor, while Assam would make for a stronger brew that still works well.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long can I store the tea loaf?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>If stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 7 days at room temperature or can be frozen for up to 3 months.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I substitute the currants and sultanas with other dried fruits?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can experiment with cherries, cranberries, or even finely chopped prunes for a different texture and flavor.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

So there you have it! Mary Berry's Classic Tea Loaf not only fills your home with the comforting scent of baking, but it also connects you to British culinary heritage. This recipe is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, wholesome ingredients crafted with care. Whether you're hosting a tea party, looking for an easy dessert, or simply in need of a slice of comfort, this loaf ticks all the boxes. Now, grab your teapot, and let's bake a loaf that's as steeped in tradition as it is in flavor. 🍰🌿