Budapest Tea Bread
Budapest Tea Bread is a rich, flavorful loaf featuring cocoa, cinnamon, and nuts, with optional raisins. Its moist texture and aromatic spices make it perfect for tea time or as a sweet treat. Ideal for those who enjoy indulgent, spiced baked goods with a hint of elegance.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cocoa ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 cup raisins ⓘ
- 3/4 cup walnuts or pecan pieces ⓘ
- 1 1/2 sticks margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- pinch of salt ⓘ
- 14 oz sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a large Bundt pan and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, raisins, and nuts.
- Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together margarine and sugar.
- Add vanilla and eggs, mixing to blend.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the large mixing bowl.
- Mix well. Add sour cream and mix to blend.
- Fold in the brown sugar-nut mixture by hand.
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. You can substitute half of the margarine with unsalted butter for a more traditional taste. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans and replace them with additional raisins or chocolate chips for added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful bread can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for brunch or as an afternoon snack. Pair it with a cup of tea or a glass of French Ice Coffee for a delightful contrast. A light spread of Creamy Honey Butter enhances its flavors beautifully, or serve it alongside fruit preserves for a sweet touch.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Budapest Tea Bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Budapest Tea Bread contains roughly 481 calories, with 9g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1007mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt, which will provide a similar tangy flavor and moisture. Greek yogurt works particularly well, but you may want to thin it slightly with milk to achieve the same consistency as sour cream.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the bread is ready. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding chopped dried fruits like apricots or cranberries, or mixing in different nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts. Just be mindful of the overall texture and moisture balance in the batter.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).