English Fruit Teabread
A traditional English fruit teabread packed with dried fruits and subtle spices, perfect for teatime or holiday gatherings, offering moist texture and rich, fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the dried fruit and sugar in a bowl.
- Pour the tea over; soak overnight.
- Grease and base-line a 2-pint loaf tin.
- The next day, add the egg, flour, baking powder and mixed spice to the fruit and tea mixture.
- Beat thoroughly with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Spoon into the prepared tin; level the surface.
- Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 1 1/4 hours, or until well risen and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Turn out onto a wire rack to cool.
- Serve sliced and spread with butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of mixed spice or cinnamon to the batter. If you don't have whole meal flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend. Soaking the dried fruit overnight is essential for moisture, so don't skip this step. You can also use other dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the teabread with a spread of butter or cream cheese for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of black tea or even a glass of milk. For a more indulgent dessert, consider serving alongside Burnt Cremes or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover teabread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster or oven for a few minutes until heated through, which enhances its flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Fruit Teabread contains roughly 136 calories, with 2g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium.
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 different types of dried fruits?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for raisins, sultanas, and currants, feel free to mix in your favorites such as chopped dried apricots or figs. Just keep the overall weight of the dried fruit the same to maintain the texture and moisture of the teabread.
What if I don't have soft brown sugar?
If you don’t have soft brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of light brown sugar or even granulated sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses for a similar flavor and moisture. This will still yield a deliciously rich teabread.
How can I make this teabread healthier?
To make the teabread healthier, consider reducing the sugar slightly or using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also add some chopped nuts or seeds for added nutrition and texture. Additionally, using whole meal flour is a great way to increase the fiber content.
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).