Mary Berry’s All Bran Tea Bread is a classic, heartwarming recipe that brings the homely comfort of traditional baking into your kitchen. This delightful bread is packed with the wholesome goodness of All Bran cereal, infused with the rich flavors of your favorite tea, and sweetened with dried fruits for a balanced, nutritious treat. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe serves up a slice of warmth and nostalgia with every bite.
This recipe caters to 8-10 people and can be prepared with minimal fuss, requiring about 10 minutes of hands-on preparation and 1 to 2 hours of baking time.
Follow me as I guide you through the steps to create Mary Berry’s iconic All Bran Tea Bread, offering handy tips and insights to ensure your baking success.
What is Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread?
Mary Berry’s All Bran Tea Bread is a moist, dense bread made with All Bran cereal, soaked in strong tea, and mixed with dried fruits and sugar. It’s known for its unique texture and the delightful way it pairs with a cup of tea, embodying the essence of British tea-time treats.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: Requires basic ingredients and minimal preparation.
- Healthier Option: Incorporates high-fiber All Bran cereal.
- Versatility: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or alongside afternoon tea.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread
- 300ml hot, strong tea
- 250g dried mixed fruit (such as raisins, sultanas, and currants)
- 225g All Bran cereal
- 150g light muscovado sugar (or substitute with brown sugar)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp mixed spice (optional for added flavor)
Instructions to Make Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread
Step 1: Pre-soaking the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot tea, dried mixed fruit, and All Bran cereal. Let it soak for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the cereal to soften and the fruit to plump up.
Step 2: Mixing the Batter
- After soaking, stir in the muscovado sugar and beaten eggs into the bran mixture. Ensure it’s well combined.
- Gently fold in the self-raising flour and mixed spice (if using) until the mixture is smooth and evenly mixed.
Step 3: Baking the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4). Grease and line a loaf tin with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and level the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Cooling and Serving
- Allow the bread to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve as desired, ideally with a spread of butter and a cup of tea.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread?
Enjoying Mary Berry’s All Bran Tea Bread is an experience that can be enhanced with the right accompaniments.
Here are some delightful options:
- Classic Butter: A spread of butter on a warm slice brings out the bread’s rich flavors.
- Jam and Preserves: Complement the bread’s texture with the smoothness of your favorite jam or preserves.
- Cheese Pairing: A slice of mature cheddar or soft brie offers a savory contrast to the sweet bread.
- Fresh Fruits: Serve with a side of fresh fruits like berries, apple slices, or orange segments for a refreshing touch.
- Clotted Cream: For an indulgent treat, top a slice with clotted cream and a sprinkle of sugar.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread
Achieving the perfect loaf of Mary Berry’s All Bran Tea Bread is within reach with these pro tips:
- Soak Thoroughly: Ensure the All Bran and dried fruits are fully soaked in tea to create a moist bread.
- Use Quality Tea: The choice of tea can greatly affect the flavor; opt for a robust blend like Earl Grey or Assam.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined to keep the bread tender.
- Check for Doneness: Use a skewer to test if the bread is done. It should come out clean from the center of the loaf.
- Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a while before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from breaking apart.
Variations of Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread
This versatile recipe can be adapted in various delicious ways to suit your taste:
- Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Fruity Twist: Incorporate dried apricots, cherries, or cranberries for a different fruit profile.
- Citrus Zing: Add the grated zest of an orange or lemon for a refreshing citrus note.
- Spiced Version: Mix in spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in dark chocolate chips for a sweet, chocolaty surprise.
How do I Store Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread Leftovers?
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Wrap tightly in cling film or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Slice and wrap individually. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry All Bran Tea Bread Leftovers?
- Microwave: Heat slices for 10-20 seconds until warm.
- Oven: Wrap in foil and warm at 150°C (300°F) for 10-15 minutes.
- Toaster: Toast slices lightly for a crispy edge.
Nutrition Value List (approximations per slice, based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 1.5g (Saturated Fat: 0.3g)
- Carbohydrates: 54g (Sugar: 30g, Dietary Fiber: 5g)
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
FAQs
Can I Use Decaffeinated Tea for Mary Berry’s All Bran Tea Bread?
Yes, you can use decaffeinated tea without affecting the overall flavor or texture of the bread. The key is to ensure the tea is strong enough to impart a rich taste, so consider steeping it a bit longer than you might for drinking.
What Can I Substitute for Mixed Spice in the Recipe?
If mixed spice is not readily available, you can make a simple substitute by combining equal parts of ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice. A teaspoon of this mixture can replace a teaspoon of mixed spice in the recipe.
How Do I Know When the Tea Bread is Fully Baked?
The bread is fully baked when a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no sticky batter attached. Start checking for doneness at the 1-hour mark, and give it more time if needed, checking at regular intervals.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, to make Mary Berry’s All Bran Tea Bread gluten-free, substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Also, ensure that the All Bran cereal and mixed spice you’re using are certified gluten-free.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s All Bran Tea Bread recipe offers a delightful blend of simplicity, nutrition, and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress with its moist texture, rich taste, and versatility. Perfect for any occasion, from a quiet morning breakfast to an elegant afternoon tea, it’s a testament to the timeless appeal of home-baked goods. So, preheat your oven, brew your tea, and get ready to enjoy a slice (or two) of this wonderful bread. Happy baking!