Mary Berry Tea Loaf Recipes

MARY'S TEA TIME CAKE

Steps:

• Put the dried fruit and sugar in a bowl and pour over the hot tea.
• Leave to soak overnight, or if you are in a hurry for two hours.
• Heat the oven to 150C/130C fan/gas 2
• Line a 900g/2lb loaf tin with baking parchment or use a loaf tin liner
• Add the flour, lemon zest and beaten egg and stir with a spoon till mixed through.
• Bake for 11/4 to 11/2 hrs or until it is well risen, firm to the touch and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
• Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool.
• Peel of the baking paper or liner and serve sliced with or without butter

TEA LOAF

Steps:

• Mix the sultanas, raisins and orange zest in a large mixing bowl. Pour over the tea and cover the bowl. Leave to sit for a minimum of 6 hours or ideally overnight to allow the dried fruit to soak up all the liquid.
• Heat the oven to 180C/160 fan/gas 4. Grease and line a 900g loaf tin. Add the eggs, flour and sugar to the soaked fruit, ensuring everything is well combined. Spoon the mixture into the tin and place in the centre of the oven for 1 hour 30 mins or until firm to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin for 15 mins before transferring to a wire rack.
• Cut into thick slices and serve with butter. To store, wrap tightly and keep in an airtight container for up to five days. The loaf will taste even better after a few days.

SUPER-EASY TEA LOAF

Steps:

• Put the dried fruit and tea in a bowl and leave to soak for a few hours. I usually do this the night before or in the morning before work.
• Pre-heat the oven to 150°C, or 180°C if your are not using a fan assisted oven.
• Add the sugar and flour to the tea and fruit mix, and the ground ginger if you choose to include it. Stir well until thoroughly combined.
• Scoop the mixture into a greased 2lb loaf tin and bake for 45 minutes to an hour.
• If you prick the cake with a cocktail stick and it comes out clean, it is ready. Leave the loaf to cool in the tin for at least 20 minutes. After that, run a knife along the outer edge of the loaf to loosen it and tip it onto a cooling rack.