Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread Recipe

Name: Mary Berry's All-Bran Tea Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: Not specified
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 cup All-Bran cereal; 1 cup dried mixed fruit; 1 cup self-raising wholemeal flour; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1 large egg, beaten

Discover the delightful Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread, a wholesome and hearty loaf that's a breeze to make and packed with fibre. This recipe, inspired by British baking icon Mary Berry, is perfect for those looking for a nutritious treat to enjoy at any time of the day.

Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread: A Brief Overview

This All Bran Tea Bread is a testament to Mary Berry's approach to baking: simple, delicious, and always reliable. With its dense, moist texture and rich fruit flavor, it's a healthier alternative to traditional sweet breads, leveraging the natural sweetness of dried fruits and the fibrous goodness of All Bran cereal.

Cultural and Historical Context

Tea breads have a cherished place in British culinary traditions, often served during afternoon tea as a lighter alternative to cakes and biscuits. Mary Berry's version, incorporating All Bran, offers a modern twist on the classic, introducing additional nutritional benefits without compromising on taste.

Ingredients for the Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread

Kellogg’s All-Bran Original: 80g (1 cup)
Chopped dates (or any dried fruit of your choice): 150g (1 cup)
Skimmed milk, hot: 240ml (1 cup)
Brown sugar: 100g (½ cup)
Large egg: 1
Plain/all-purpose flour: 130g (1 cup)
Baking powder: 1 ½ tsp
Chopped walnuts (or any nuts of your choosing): 100g (1 cup)
Walnut halves, for topping: 5
Demerara sugar, for topping: 1 tbsp
Honey, to brush on loaf (optional): 1 tbsp

Preparation Instructions

Preparation: Preheat your oven and prepare your loaf pan with non-stick spray and baking paper.
Mixing the Batter: Combine the All Bran, dates, and brown sugar with hot milk and let it stand. Then, mix in the egg and dry ingredients.
Baking: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with nuts and sugar, and bake. Optionally, brush with honey for a glossy finish.

Storage and Reheating

Storing: Wrap the loaf in foil and keep it in an airtight container for a few days or slice and freeze for up to two months.
Reheating: Toast slices straight from frozen for a quick, delicious treat.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this tea bread offers a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, along with dietary fiber from the All Bran. The exact nutritional content will vary depending on the specific ingredients used but expect a slice to provide around 165 calories, with 5g of fat, 29g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein.

FAQ about the Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread

Can I use different dried fruits? Yes, feel free to use any combination of dried fruits you prefer.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans? To make it vegan, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative and use an egg substitute.
How can I ensure my bread stays moist? Keeping the bread wrapped in foil or an airtight container helps retain its moisture.

In conclusion, the Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread is a versatile and satisfying bake that's perfect for those seeking a healthier, fibre-rich snack. Its simplicity, combined with the wholesome goodness of its ingredients, makes it a must-try for anyone looking to indulge their sweet tooth in a nutritious way. The original recipe for this delightful tea bread is attributed to Mary Berry, a testament to her enduring influence on British baking.