Welsh Spiced Fruit Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates) 2 cups (240g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates)
• 1 ½ cups (355ml) strong black tea 1 ½ cups (355ml) strong black tea
• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 30g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits and black tea. Cover and let it soak overnight.
2. 2.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
4. 4.
   Add the brown sugar, beaten egg, melted butter, and orange zest to the soaked dried fruits. Mix well.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the fruit mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. 7.
   Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried fruits — Ensure the dried fruits are evenly distributed in the loaf by gently folding them into the batter. This will prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can soak the dried fruits in a combination of tea and orange juice.
• Serve the Welsh Spiced Fruit Loaf warm with a dollop of clotted cream or a spread of butter for a truly indulgent treat.
• If you prefer a darker and stickier crust, brush the top of the loaf with honey or maple syrup before baking.
• Experiment with different combinations of dried fruits, such as adding dried cranberries or apricots, to personalize the loaf to your taste.
• To keep the loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Serving advice

Slice the Welsh Spiced Fruit Loaf into thick slices and serve it alongside a steaming cup of tea or coffee. It is perfect for afternoon tea or as a comforting treat any time of the day.

Presentation advice

Present the Welsh Spiced Fruit Loaf on a rustic wooden cutting board or a decorative cake stand. Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a few slices of dried fruit for a pop of color.