Easy Fat-Free, Low-Sugar Tea Loaf
Serves: 8–10 | Prep time: 10 min (plus soaking) | Bake time: 50–60 min
Vegan, dairy-free, low-fat, low-added sugar
🧺 Ingredients
1 cup (150 g) mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped dates, apricots, etc.)
1 cup (250 ml) strong brewed tea (black tea like Earl Grey or English Breakfast works great)
1 cup (125 g) self-rising flour (or use all-purpose + 1½ tsp baking powder)
¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar or coconut sugar (or even less, to taste)
1 tsp mixed spice or cinnamon
1 egg (or flax egg for vegan: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
Optional: zest of 1 orange or lemon for brightness
Optional: handful of chopped nuts or seeds for crunch
☕ Instructions
Soak the Fruit
Place dried fruit in a bowl and pour over hot tea. Let soak for at least 2 hours or overnight—this keeps the loaf moist without added fat.
Preheat Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a 1lb loaf tin with parchment or lightly grease.
Mix the Batter
Add sugar, spice, egg (or flax egg), and optional zest to the soaked fruit (including the tea). Stir well.
Add flour and mix until just combined. If the batter feels very dry, add a splash of extra tea or milk.
Bake
Pour into the loaf tin and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in tin for 10 mins, then on a wire rack.
Serve & Store
Slice and enjoy plain or with a little low-fat yogurt or jam. Keeps well for up to 5 days in an airtight container—actually tastes better the next day!
💡 Tips & Variations
Use decaf tea or herbal tea (like chai or rooibos) for a caffeine-free version.
Add grated apple or mashed banana for natural moisture and sweetness.
Make it nut-free by skipping the optional nuts—it’s still super tasty!