Tea Bread
A rich, moist tea bread packed with dates and nuts, offering sweet, nutty flavors. Perfect for teatime, snacks, or gifting to loved ones.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the eggs.
- Add sugar and beat until smooth.
- Mix in flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Stir in chopped dates, nuts, and vanilla.
- Mix well.
- Pour batter into a greased small loaf pan.
- Bake at 275°F (135°C) for about 1 1/2 hours.
- Cool completely before turning out.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of nuts like walnuts and pecans. If you don't have dates, dried figs can be a great substitute. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. Mixing the dry ingredients separately before combining with the wet can help achieve a smoother batter.
Serving Suggestions
Tea bread is delightful on its own or served with a spread of cream cheese or butter. A hot cup of tea complements this sweet treat perfectly. For a special twist, consider serving it alongside Caramel Flan for dessert. It also pairs beautifully with a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tea Bread contains roughly 240 calories, with 4g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% 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 dates?
Yes, you can substitute dates with other dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots. Keep in mind that different fruits may alter the sweetness and texture slightly, so adjust sugar accordingly if needed.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this tea bread gluten-free, replace the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder used is also gluten-free. This will maintain a similar texture while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or citrus zest like orange or lemon for a refreshing twist. Adding a splash of orange juice can also enhance the flavor profile and keep the bread moist.
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).