Crafty Morning Tea: Jamie Oliver’s Sweet Loaf Recipe

Decadent tea loaf whispers stories of cozy afternoons and family traditions.

Fragrant and moist, this British classic transforms humble ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Steeping tea unleashes a magical liquid that bathes dried fruits in rich, deep flavors.

Effortless baking meets pure comfort as pantry staples blend into a sensational treat.

Raisins and warming spices intertwine, creating a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Each slice carries layers of nostalgia and homemade charm, promising pure delight with every bite.

Embrace the joy of baking and let this tea loaf become your new favorite comfort companion!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients List for Jamie Oliver’s Tea Loaf Recipe

• Sultanas: Choose plump, golden-colored ones with a glossy sheen for maximum sweetness.
• Raisins: Look for dark, soft raisins that feel moist and have a rich, deep color.
• Hot Tea: Select a robust black tea like English Breakfast for deep, complex flavor infusion.

• Plain Flour: Opt for fresh, sifted flour to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
• Baking Powder: Select a fresh, active rising agent to guarantee perfect cake texture.
• Soft Light Brown Sugar: Pick moist, clump-free sugar with a rich caramel undertone.
• Mixed Spice: Choose a freshly ground blend for vibrant, aromatic warmth.

• Unsalted Butter: Select high-quality, creamy butter at room temperature for smooth blending.
• Eggs: Use fresh, room-temperature large eggs for optimal binding and richness.

Tools to Make Jamie Oliver’s Tea Loaf

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for soaking fruits and combining ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Precise tool for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Whisk: Helps blend wet ingredients smoothly.
• Loaf tin: Ideal for creating the perfect tea loaf shape.
• Baking parchment: Prevents sticking and makes removal easy.
• Wire rack: Allows cake to cool evenly from all sides.
• Aluminum foil: Protects top from over-browning during baking.
• Oven: Essential for baking the tea loaf to golden perfection.

Instructions for Preparing Tea Loaf Recipe

• Soak Dried Fruits

Toss sultanas and raisins into a spacious bowl. Pour steaming hot tea over the fruits, allowing them to relax and absorb flavors overnight at room temperature. This magical soaking transforms ordinary fruits into tender, flavor-packed morsels.

• Mix Dry Elements

Grab a mixing bowl and blend flour, baking powder, brown sugar, and mixed spice. Whisk these ingredients until they dance together in a harmonious mixture, creating a smooth foundation for your delightful treat.

• Craft Luscious Batter

Melt butter and crack eggs into the bowl. Pour in soaked fruits with their tea essence. Gently fold everything together, creating a silky smooth batter with no flour streaks. The mixture should look rich and inviting.

• Prepare Baking Station

Warm the oven to 170°C. Line a loaf tin with parchment paper, making sure edges are fully covered. This ensures your loaf will emerge perfectly without sticking.

• Bake and Transform

Pour the batter into the prepared tin. Slide into the oven and bake for 60-75 minutes. If the top starts browning too quickly, drape aluminum foil over the top to protect its golden surface.

• Cool and Savor

Pull the loaf from the oven and let it rest in the tin for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, allowing it to cool completely. Slice and enjoy with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, celebrating your delicious creation.

Tips and Flavor Ideas for Tea Loaf

• Boost Fruit Flavor: Soak dried fruits in different liquids like orange juice, rum, or apple cider for unique taste profiles.
• Texture Hack: Dust fruits with a little flour before mixing into batter to prevent them from sinking during baking.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace plain flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities. Add a pinch of xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 5 days. Alternatively, freeze for 3 months for longer preservation.

Serving Advice for Tea Loaf

• Pair with Creamy Companions: Serve warm slices alongside a dollop of clotted cream or vanilla custard for a luxurious treat that elevates the fruity loaf's rich flavors.
• Create Tea Time Magic: Brew a classic English breakfast tea or fragrant Earl Grey to complement the loaf's warm spices and dried fruit notes, making it a perfect afternoon indulgence.
• Gift with Gourmet Flair: Wrap cooled slices in parchment paper, tie with a rustic twine, and present as a homemade gift that showcases your baking skills and thoughtfulness.
• Toast and Transform: Lightly toast leftover slices and spread with salted butter or honey for a delightful breakfast or snack that brings out the loaf's deep, comforting warmth.

Storage for Jamie Oliver’s Tea Loaf

• Store with Care: Transfer cooled loaf to an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 5 days at room temperature.
• Freeze for Later: Slice the loaf before freezing, separating pieces with parchment paper. Freeze for 2-3 months, ensuring complete wrapping in freezer-safe packaging to prevent freezer burn.
• Revive Refrigerated Slices: Warm slightly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast gently to restore the loaf's soft texture and enhance its rich, spiced flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve at room temperature alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee. Pair with a dollop of butter or a light spread of cream cheese for extra indulgence.

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Revel in jamie oliver’s tea loaf, a comforting British classic that blends sweet dried fruits with robust black tea. This simple yet delightful cake offers a delicious slice of traditional flavor you’ll surely enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 150 g (¾ cup) sultanas
• 150 g (¾ cup) raisins
• 250 g (2 cups + 1 tbsp) plain (all-purpose) flour
• 200 g (1 cup + 2 tbsps) soft light brown sugar
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) freshly made tea (using 2 tea bags)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

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Instructions

1. Tea Infusion: Submerge sultanas and raisins in hot tea, allowing them to marinate overnight for deep, rich flavor integration.
2. Preparation: Heat oven to 170°C (325°F). Line a 2-pound loaf tin with baking parchment, covering all interior surfaces comprehensively.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Blend plain flour, baking powder, soft light brown sugar, and mixed spice in a large mixing bowl until uniformly distributed, creating a fragrant dry mixture.
4. Wet Ingredient Incorporation: Melt butter and whisk with eggs, then introduce this liquid blend into the dry ingredient mixture, combining with the tea-soaked fruit and its residual liquid.
5. Batter Formation: Fold ingredients gently but thoroughly, ensuring a consistent texture without overmixing, which could compromise the loaf’s delicate structure.
6. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared tin, smoothing the surface for even cooking. Bake in preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, covering with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly.
7. Cooling and Serving: Once baked, let the loaf rest in the tin for 10 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow complete cooling before slicing and enjoying this aromatic tea loaf.

Notes

• Soak Strategically: Allow dried fruits to steep in hot tea overnight for deep, rich flavor infusion and optimal moisture absorption.
• Prevent Burning Brilliance: Cover loaf with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly during baking to maintain perfect golden color.
• Mix Mindfully: Fold ingredients gently to maintain a tender crumb, avoiding overmixing which can create a tough, dense texture.
• Cooling Crucial: Let the loaf rest in the tin for 10 minutes after baking, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and ensure structural integrity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts, Drinks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg