If you’re anything like me, you’re in need of some sugar detox after eating Easter eggs for breakfast, lunch and dinner. That is why I was so excited to learn this naturally sweet Tea Loaf recipe from one of our wonderful volunteers, Judith. Packed full of dried fruits, this loaf is sweet enough to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding even the tiniest bit of sugar.
This recipe is totally customisable to include all of your favourite dried fruits, or even nuts.
And what’s better, you can get most of your ingredients at Food Loose! Remember, you can shop online or pop in the store with your own containers.
Ingredients:
1 lb mixed dried fruit
½ pint warm tea (or water, juice or a mixture)
1 egg
1 lb self-raising flour
2 tbsp marmalade (optional)
Instructions:
- Soak fruit with tea overnight
- Stir egg (& marmalade if using) into fruit and mix well with flour.
- Pour into greased or lined 2 x 1lb loaf tins / 1 x 2lb loaf tin.
- Bake at gas mark 3 / 325F / 160C for 1 ¼ – 1 ¾ hours until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in tin for 15 mins before turning out.
Judith’s tips:
The Tea Loaf keeps well & freezes well, so I usually make a double quantity and cut the loaves in half to freeze.
I don’t always use marmalade and it works out fine. I suppose if you want a ‘tang’ you could try adding lemon or orange zest. You could also add mixed spices or ginger depending on your taste.
I have added ground almonds before which worked well.
I usually use wholemeal flour which means I either add more liquid or use less flour, adding in small quantities until the mix seems right.
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If you make this recipe, we would love to hear how it went! Let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram @foodloosecheltenham.
