Raisin Tea Loaf
A moist and flavorful raisin tea loaf with lemon and spice notes, perfect for tea time or breakfast, appealing to those who enjoy fruity, aromatic baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in raisins and lemon rind.
- Mix and sift dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and mace.
- Combine lemon extract, vanilla, and milk; add alternately with dry ingredients to the raisin mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you want to add some texture, try substituting half of the raisins with chopped walnuts or pecans. Be careful not to overmix your batter; this can lead to a dense loaf. For added moisture, you can also substitute 1/4 cup of milk with applesauce, which complements the lemon flavor nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Raisin Tea Loaf with a spread of butter or cream cheese for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack. For a unique twist, try serving it alongside a scoop of Low Calorie Sherbet for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin Tea Loaf contains roughly 494 calories, with 11g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1310mg per serving (57% 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 other dried fruits instead of raisins?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits such as currants, cranberries, or chopped apricots. Just make sure to adjust the quantity if the fruit is larger or sweeter to maintain balance in flavor and texture.
What can I do if the loaf is too dry?
If your Raisin Tea Loaf turns out dry, you can try brushing it with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water. This will add moisture and a touch of sweetness. Additionally, serving it with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt can help enhance the overall moisture when enjoyed.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still yield a delicious loaf.
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).