Earl Grey has its fans and detractors, but I think most of us will agree that it makes a very fine cake. All the things about it that cause the strong reaction: the citrus flavour, the perfumed aroma may not be your cup of tea in a...well...cup of tea (sorry), but I think most of us would agree they go very well in a cake. Especially a fruit cake.
If, however, you can't countenance Earl Grey, even in a bread or cake, then use any black tea. The important thing is, whatever you use, make it hot and soak the fruit in it overnight.
Once the fruit has been soaked, this is a very easy recipe. Actually, I like to think of it as a lazy recipe. It is slow, simple and really requires very little effort.
I love the tradition of a tea loaf. It originated in Yorkshire and soon became a mainstay of afternoon tea along with scones and cucumber sandwiches. And you can not get more British than the origins of Afternoon tea. Anna, Duchess of Bedford and a crony of Queen Victoria began to order refreshments in the afternoon to break up the long gap between 'luncheon' and dinner, the latter being served quite late. On discovering how enjoyable it was, she soon invited friends round to partake in her 'Afternoon Tea'.
This loaf cake stores very well for over a week if covered and does not have a lot of added sugar due to the sweetness of the dried fruit.
You can add in nuts or change the dried fruit to suit your palate or what you have available, just make sure that you keep the weight the same as the recipe. You can also add a light icing sugar drizzle on the top to add a touch of decoration - make it your own!
Earl Grey Tea Bread
Ingredients:
350g dried mixed fruit
350ml strong earl grey tea
150g light demerara sugar
300g self raising flour
1/2tsp salt
2 eggs
Method:
In a medium-sized heat proof bowl, soak the dried fruit in very hot tea. Cover and set aside overnight.
Line a 2lb loaf tin with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 150°C (302°F).
In a large mixing bowl, measure out the flour, sugar and salt. Whisk together to combine.
Into the dry ingredients, add in the soaked fruit, along with any remaining soaking liquid and the eggs. Mix with a spatula until just combined.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake in the centre of the oven for 1 hour 45 minutes.
Check that a toothpick comes out clean and cool on a wire rack.
Serve slices on their own or with butter. For delicious homemade butter, check out the recipe here.
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