Getting a soaking

Jackie’s Tea loaf

I’ve often been asked if Grandma has a cake recipe where you soaked dried fruit overnight. Yes - Grandma regularly soaked raisins, sultanas and currants overnight to make sure they were plump.

View over Loch Linnhe

Here’s a recipe from Jackie at the Huntingtower Lodge near Fort William in Scotland. Jackie serves her Tea Loaf to her guests as they arrive at her wonderful boutique B&B. Jackie and Chris are so welcoming and our room was absolutely stunning with amazing views over Loch Linnhe.

Jackie’s Tea Loaf

1lb/450g mixed dried fruit

7 oz/200g soft brown sugar 

(N.B. I used 4oz/110g sugar for a reduced sugar content)

½ pint/10 fl oz/275-300 ml cold tea

1 egg beaten

9 oz self raising flour

Put the dried fruit, sugar and tea in a bowl and leave for 3 hours or until the tea is absorbed. (I left it overnight and it worked well). Beat in the egg and the flour. Pour into a 2lb/1 kg loaf tin. Bake in a preheated oven at 180C (Fan 160C)/Mark 3/350F for an hour to an hour and a half. (I found 1 hour was enough.) Allow to cool on a wire rack.

I’m pleased to say that it didn’t rain when we visited Scotland this time so we didn’t get a soaking! Many thanks to Jackie for sharing a fabulous recipe. 

 Enjoy Jackie's Tea Loaf! Would you like a slice?