Jamie Oliver Tea Loaf Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Tea Loaf Recipe is one of the easiest and quickest tea loaf recipes ever. This tea loaf is made with fresh tea, raisins, sultanas, and other tasty ingredients. It will take about 1.5 hours to finish baking and will serve up to 12 slices. Serve this jamie oliver tea loaf with a hot cup of tea and spread it with Strawberry Freezer Jam or Blackberry Jam.

What Is A Tea Loaf 

A tea loaf is a traditional British baked good, known for its rich and moist texture. Some people call it tea cake or tea bread but the real name is teal loaf. It’s made with dried fruits, such as sultanas and raisins, which are often soaked in tea overnight to infuse them with flavor. The result is a deliciously fruity loaf that’s perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea.

It’s typically served sliced, either plain or with a spread of butter. Whether for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert.

Tea Loaf Ingredients

• 150 g (3/4 cup) sultanas
• 150 g (3/4 cup) raisins
• 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) freshly made tea (using 2 tea bags)
• 250 g (2 cups + 1 tbsp) plain (all-purpose) flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 200 g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) soft light brown sugar
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

How To Make Tea Loaf

1. Preparation: Soak 150g each of sultanas and raisins in 300 ml of freshly brewed tea overnight. Preheat your oven to 170°C/325°F and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking parchment or a liner.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 250g of plain flour, 2 tsp of baking powder, 200g of soft light brown sugar, and 1 tsp of mixed spice.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mix, add 2 tbsp of melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, and your tea-soaked raisins and sultanas along with any remaining liquid. Stir until thoroughly combined.
4. Bake: Spoon the mixture into your prepared loaf tin and bake for about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. If the top starts to darken too much, cover it with foil.
5. Cool and Serve: After baking, let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once cooled.

How To Make Glazed Lemon For Tea Loaf

For those who love to serve teal with glazed lemon, here’s what you need and how to make the perfect glazed lemon:

1. Ingredients Needed: You’ll need 1 cup of powdered sugar and about 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
2. Make the Glaze: In a medium-sized bowl, blend together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir until it’s well combined. If needed, add more lemon juice to achieve a smooth glaze that can be easily poured.
3. Apply the Glaze: Once your tea loaf has cooled completely after baking, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. The glaze will add a sweet and tangy finish to your delicious tea loaf.

What Size Is A Tea Loaf Pan 

The recommended size for a tea loaf pan, based on our recipe, is 8-1/2 x 4-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches. This size is ideal as it allows the loaf to bake evenly and rise properly. If you’re unsure about the size of your pan, a simple way to check is to pour the batter into the pan. If it fills about 2/3 of the pan, then you’re using the right size.

If you have a larger pan, such as a 9 x 5 x 2-1/2 inch pan, you can still use it, but keep in mind that the loaf may not rise as high and could bake faster. In this case, start checking the loaf for doneness about 10 minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.

On the other hand, if you have a smaller pan, the batter may overflow during baking. If this is the case, consider baking a portion of the batter in a separate muffin tin or another small baking dish. If you’re using a smaller pan, it might be a good idea to not fill it all the way to the top with batter.

You may also need to extend the baking time slightly, so start checking for doneness at the time specified in the recipe, but be prepared that it may take a bit longer.

How To Know Tea Loaf is Done Baking

Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, the loaf is done. If it comes out with wet batter on it, the loaf needs more time to bake.

How To Bake This Tea Loaf In The Air Fryer

For those who want to try baking the tea loaf in an air fryer, you’ll need to adjust your method slightly. First, you’ll need a small loaf pan that fits inside your air fryer basket. A pan that’s about 6 x 3 x 2 inches should work well for most air fryers.

Once your batter is prepared, pour it into the loaf pan, filling it about 2/3 of the way. Place the pan in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 160°C/320°F and bake for about 45 minutes to an hour. As with the traditional baking method, you’ll know the loaf is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

What Other Fruits I Can Use In Tea Loaf

You can still add other fruits to this teal leaf recipe, here are a few ideas:

• Apple: Replace half of the sultanas and raisins with 1 medium-sized apple, peeled and finely chopped. This will add a nice crunch and freshness to your loaf.
• Bananas: Substitute one of the eggs with 1 ripe mashed banana for a moist and flavorful loaf.
• Blueberry: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries in addition to the sultanas and raisins for a burst of tangy sweetness.
• Cherry: Replace half of the sultanas and raisins with 3/4 cup of dried, pitted cherries for a delightful twist.
• Apricot: Swap out half of the sultanas and raisins with 3/4 cup of chopped dried apricots. This will give your loaf a unique, slightly tart flavor.

Tea Loaf Variations:

• Cinnamon Tea Loaf: Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Gluten-Free Tea Loaf: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to also use gluten-free baking powder.
• Earl Grey Tea Loaf: Substitute the regular tea with freshly brewed Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated citrusy note.
• Vegan Tea Loaf: To make a vegan version of the tea loaf, replace the eggs with a vegan egg substitute, such as flax eggs (1 flax egg = 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water). Also, ensure to use plant-based butter or oil instead of regular butter.

How Long Does Tea Loaf Last 

A tea loaf can last for about 3-4 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. Tea loaf can also last in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure to wrap it with plastic wrap when storing it in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Tea Loaf 

Yes, the tea loaf freezes well. Once it has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

To thaw, remove the loaf from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature. It should be ready to eat within a few hours.

How To Warm Up Tea Loaf

To warm up your tea loaf, you can place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you prefer to use an oven, wrap the loaf or slices in foil and heat at 150°C/300°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

Tea Loaf Calories And Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 246
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 36mg
• Sodium: 22mg
• Potassium: 287mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 23g

Try More Recipes:

• Pumpkin Bread
• Brown Butter Milk Bread
• Cinnamon Raisin Bread
• Date Nut Bread