Derbyshire Fruit Loaf
Discover the heartwarming charm of a classic *Derbyshire Fruit Loaf*, a traditional English tea bread that’s brimming with rich, fruity flavors. Soaked overnight in robust black tea, the medley of raisins, sultanas, and chopped dried apricots achieves a tender, juicy texture, creating a moist and aromatic loaf. Enhanced by warm notes of mixed spice and dark brown sugar, this simple yet indulgent bake comes together effortlessly with pantry staples like plain flour and baking powder. Perfect for cozy afternoons, this loaf can be enjoyed as-is or slathered with butter for an extra touch of indulgence. With a long shelf life and irresistibly nostalgic flavor, this fruit loaf is a timeless treat that embodies the countryside tradition of Derbyshire baking.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 ml strong black tea
- 75 g raisins
- 75 g sultanas
- 50 g dried apricots
- 120 g dark brown sugar
- 250 g plain flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 1 large egg
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the tea, raisins, sultanas, and finely chopped dried apricots. Cover the bowl and let the mixture soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure the fruits absorb the tea and soften.
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) or Gas Mark 2. Grease and line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin with parchment paper.
In another bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and mixed spice, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
Stir the dark brown sugar into the soaked fruit mixture until well combined.
Lightly beat the egg in a small bowl and then add it to the soaked fruit mixture, mixing thoroughly.
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick and well incorporated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 75 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the fruit loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve on its own or with a spread of butter. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.0 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.1 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 186 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 1044 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 464.7 g | 169% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.1 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 232.1 g | ||
| Protein | 38.8 g | 78% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 281 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 17.2 mg | 96% | |
| Potassium | 2245 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
