Easy Fat-Free & Low-Sugar Tea Loaf

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Easy Fat-Free & Low-Sugar Tea Loaf

This classic British-style tea loaf is incredibly simple, naturally sweetened with dried fruit, and made without butter, oil, or added sugar. The raisins soak in hot tea, becoming juicy and plump, giving the loaf a soft, tender crumb. It’s perfect with tea, great for breakfast, and freezes beautifully.

Ingredients:

  • 1 mug strong tea (black tea, no milk; approx. 250 ml)

  • 1 mug self-raising flour (approx. 130 g)

  • 1 mug raisins (or mixed dried fruit)

  • 1 egg (beaten)

Instructions:

1. Soak the Fruit (Best Step for Soft Texture)

  • Brew 1 mug of hot strong tea.

  • Add the mug of raisins to the tea.

  • Let sit for at least 1 hour (or overnight for extra softness).

2. Prepare the Batter

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F.

  • Line a small loaf pan with baking paper.

  • Add the soaked raisins + all remaining tea into a bowl.

  • Add the egg and mix.

  • Add the self-raising flour and fold gently until just combined.

3. Bake

  • Pour into the loaf tin.

  • Bake 45–55 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.

  • Cool completely before slicing (very important for a clean cut).

Notes & Tips:

  • Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the loaf soft.

  • If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

  • This loaf tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.

  • Keeps 4–5 days in the fridge; freezes well up to 3 months.

  • For extra moisture, add 1–2 tbsp leftover tea or orange juice if the batter looks dry.

Variations:

  • Mixed Fruit Version: Swap raisins for mixed dried fruit, currants, cranberries, dates, or apricots.

  • Spiced Tea Loaf: Add 1 tsp cinnamon + ½ tsp nutmeg + ½ tsp ginger.

  • Citrus Version: Add zest of 1 orange or lemon.

  • Chai Tea Version: Use chai tea for soaking to add warm spice.

  • Egg-Free Version: Replace egg with:

    • ¼ cup applesauce OR

    • 1 mashed banana OR

    • 3 tbsp yogurt

  • Low-GI Version: Replace some raisins with apricots for lower overall sugar.

Nutritional Info (per slice — 10 slices)

(Values approximate)

  • Calories: 135

  • Fat: 0.6 g

  • Carbs: 29 g

  • Sugar (natural): 17 g

  • Protein: 3 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

No added fat. No added sugar. Egg gives lightness and structure.

❓ Q/A
Q: Can I make it sugar-free?

A: Yes! There’s no added sugar; only natural sugar from raisins. To lower even more, replace half raisins with chopped nuts.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?

A: Yes, but the loaf will be denser. Add 1–2 tbsp extra tea.

Q: Can I make it vegan?

A: Yes — use mashed banana or applesauce instead of egg.

Q: My loaf is too dry. Why?

A: Either overbaked or too much flour. Make sure raisins are well soaked and don’t pack the flour too tightly.

Q: Can I sweeten it a little?

A: If you want it sweeter, add:

  • 1–2 tbsp honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar
    But many people enjoy it as-is!

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