Mary berry builder tea bread

Mary berry builder tea bread

This recipe is a variation of a classic tea loaf, made with strong black tea and dried fruit like currants and raisins. The addition of orange zest and marmalade gives it a delicious citrus flavor, while the brown sugar creates a slightly caramelized sweetness. It’s a great tea-time treat or perfect for a weekend brunch. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be stored in an airtight container for several days.

Why people also love Mary berry builder tea bread

People also love Mary Berry’s builder’s tea bread because it is a simple yet flavorful recipe that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of strong black tea and dried fruit creates a rich, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. The addition of brown sugar and marmalade gives it a slightly sweet, caramelized taste that is irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed as a breakfast or snack. Many people also enjoy the fact that it can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for several days, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.

Ingredients:

• 225g (8oz) mixed dried fruit (such as currants, raisins and sultanas)
• 300ml (10fl oz) strong hot black tea
• 100g (3.5oz) light muscovado sugar or brown sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Grated zest of 1 orange
• 2 tbsp. marmalade
• 275g (9.5oz) self-raising flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4.
2. Grease a 900g (2lb) loaf tin and line it with baking parchment.
3. Place the mixed dried fruit in a large bowl and pour the hot tea over it. Stir and leave to cool completely.
4. Add the sugar, beaten egg, orange zest, and marmalade to the bowl and mix well.
5. Sift the self-raising flour into the bowl and fold in until everything is fully combined.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and smooth out the surface.
7. Bake for approximately 1 hour until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Leave the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Quick Facts

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices)
• Servings suggestions: This tea bread is best served sliced and either plain or buttered alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee.
• Expert Tips & Tricks: For a more intense tea flavor, use two teabags in the recipe instead of one. You can also substitute the mixed dried fruit for raisins or currants to your liking.
• Nutrition Information: Each serving of this tea bread contains approximately 200 calories, 6g fat, 37g carbohydrates, 21g sugar, and 3g protein.
• Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle some icing sugar on top of the cooled tea bread or drizzle with a simple glaze made from icing sugar and orange juice. Cut into slices and arrange on a pretty serving dish to make it more inviting. Additionally, you can also wrap it in baking parchment paper and tie it up with twine for an elegant gift to give to friends or family.

Variations and substitutions for Mary berry builders tea bread:

1. Fruit Substitutions: You can use any type of dried fruit you like in this recipe such as apricots, cranberries, cherries or dates.
2. Nut Substitutions: For a nutty flavor, try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or pistachios to the mixture.
3. Tea Variations: Experiment with different types of tea to give your bread a unique flavor. Earl Grey or Chai tea would work well with this recipe.
4. Flour Substitutions: If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
5. Sugar Substitutions: You can use white sugar instead of light muscovado sugar or brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread.
6. Spice Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the mixture for extra warmth and flavor.
7. Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute self-raising flour with gluten-free self-raising flour and make sure all ingredients used are gluten-free.
8. Vegan Variation: Replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for a vegan option.
9. Savory Variation: If you prefer savory bread, omit the dried fruit, orange zest, and marmalade, and add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage to the mixture.

Recommendations and notices:

1. Brew the tea stronger than usual to ensure a more prominent tea flavor in the bread.
2. Make sure that the tea is cool before adding it to the mixture; otherwise, it will cook the egg in the batter.
3. After taking the bread out of the oven, let it cool down before slicing. This will help it hold together better and prevent crumbling.
4. Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze it for later use.
5. If you find the bread too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar used.
6. Don’t overmix the batter as this may result in a dense and tough texture.
7. Check the bread after 50-55 minutes of baking. If it is getting too brown, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking until it is cooked through.
8. You can add a tablespoon of milk if the mixture is too dry to make a thick batter.
9. Make sure that all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
10. While mixing the ingredients, be gentle and try not to knock the air out of the mixture.
11. If you’re adding nuts or dried fruit, chop them into small pieces so they will distribute evenly throughout the bread.
12. Don’t skip the step of soaking the dried fruit in tea. This helps to plump up the fruit and make it more juicy and flavorful.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s builder’s tea bread is a simple yet delicious recipe that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of strong black tea, mixed dried fruit, and orange zest create a rich flavor that is complemented by the sweetness of marmalade and brown sugar. The recipe is easy to follow, and the loaf can be stored in an airtight container for several days. It’s a great option for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Give it a try and enjoy this classic recipe!

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