Quick Tea Loaf Recipe: A Simple & Delicious Treat

This quick tea loaf recipe is perfect for those busy days when you crave a comforting treat but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. It's incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a moist, delicious loaf every time. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for spontaneous baking sessions. You likely already have most of them in your pantry!

• 175g (6 oz) self-raising flour: This is the base of our loaf, providing structure and lightness. Self-raising flour already contains baking powder, so no need for extra leavening agents.
• 175g (6 oz) caster sugar: This provides sweetness and helps create a moist crumb. Granulated sugar can be substituted.
• 175g (6 oz) margarine or butter, softened: Softened butter or margarine ensures a smooth and even mixture.
• 3 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth. You can experiment with other extracts like almond or lemon.
• 175ml (6 fl oz) milk: Milk adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

This quick tea loaf recipe is designed for speed and simplicity. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350°F/Gas Mark 4). Grease and flour a 900g (2lb) loaf tin. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the baked loaf.
2. Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened margarine/butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do this by hand – it's a great arm workout!
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix well after each addition to ensure everything is incorporated smoothly.
4. Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the self-raising flour to the wet ingredients, folding it in gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough loaf.
5. Add Milk: Stir in the milk until you have a smooth batter. The batter should be slightly thick but still pourable.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Serve: Let the tea loaf cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with your favorite beverage – tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk!

Tips for the Perfect Loaf:

• Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
• Check for doneness: Use a skewer or toothpick to check if the loaf is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
• Cool completely: Allowing the loaf to cool completely prevents it from crumbling when you slice it.
• Get creative with additions: Add dried fruit, chocolate chips, nuts, or spices to customize your tea loaf.

Serving Suggestions:

This versatile tea loaf is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further with:

• Butter: A classic pairing for a warm slice of tea loaf.
• Jam: A spoonful of your favorite jam adds sweetness and flavor.
• Cream cheese: A dollop of cream cheese adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the loaf.

This quick tea loaf recipe is a simple yet satisfying treat that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!