A few years ago a slice of tea loaf would never have been my cake of choice. I’ve always been more of a chocolate fudge or Victoria sandwich girl. Now I’m more open to other cakey avenues.

I received these products as part of a Degustabox subscription box some months ago and I can honestly say the cake release spray has changed my baking world! The tea is nice although a little too fragrant for me to drink but just perfect for this tea loaf:

Blackberry & Elderflower Tea Loaf

You will need:

300g of dried sultanas, raisins and currants ( any ratio is fine)
150ml of Blackberry and elderflower tea ( I used 2 x Taylor tea bags )
1 medium egg
225g of SR flour
175g of Demerara sugar

Make up your tea with boiling water and 2 tea bag and leave to infuse for 5 minutes.

Remove tea bags whilst water is still hot and add sugar and dried fruit. Leave to soak overnight or at least 6 hours.

Preheat your oven to gas mark 3.

Add your egg, beat well and add your flour. Stir to combine.

Place into a greased (2lb) loaf tin and bake for 1.5 hours or until firm. Leave to cool slightly before slicing. Spread with proper butter for ultimate indulgence.

This keeps really well and therefore makes a nice gift to drop into people who are unwell or need a treat. I made this for my OH’s grandpa after a hip replacement op and he loved it.

* I received some of the above products for free as part of a Degustabox review I wrote a few months ago.