This Honey and Orange Tea Loaf is a comforting classic that captures the essence of a traditional Scottish kitchen. The batter is incredibly simple, relying on the rich sweetness of honey and the bright, floral notes of fresh orange zest to create a distinctively aromatic crumb. The texture is tender and slightly dense, perfect for soaking up the warmth of a cup of tea or coffee. It&# 226;ÂÂs an ideal treat for afternoon tea, weekend brunch, or as a nostalgic dessert after a hearty meal. The loaf keeps well for several days, making it a wonderful make-ahead option for sharing with friends and family.
Honey & Orange Tea Loaf(Scottish
Description
This Honey and Orange Tea Loaf is a comforting classic that captures the essence of a traditional Scottish kitchen. The batter is incredibly simple, relying on the rich sweetness of honey and the bright, floral notes of fresh orange zest to create a distinctively aromatic crumb. The texture is tender and slightly dense, perfect for soaking up the warmth of a cup of tea or coffee. It&# 226;ÂÂs an ideal treat for afternoon tea, weekend brunch, or as a nostalgic dessert after a hearty meal. The loaf keeps well for several days, making it a wonderful make-ahead option for sharing with friends and family.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350ðF (180ðC) or Gas Mark 4.
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Grease and line a 2-pound loaf tin with parchment paper.
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In a mixing bowl, cream the margarine and honey together until smooth and well combined.
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Add the egg to the mixture and beat vigorously until the batter is light and uniform.
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Sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into a separate bowl.
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Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the creamed mixture, mixing gently after each addition until just combined.
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Fold in the grated orange rind, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top.
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Bake for 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Remove the loaf from the oven, brush the top generously with additional honey, and return to the oven for a further 10 minutes to set the glaze.
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Remove from the tin and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Serve sliced, optionally buttered, alongside tea or coffee.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1198.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20.4g32%
- Saturated Fat 6.4g32%
- Cholesterol 47.1mg16%
- Sodium 460.2mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 241.8g81%
- Dietary Fiber 4.7g19%
- Sugars 127.0g
- Protein 17.7g36%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
Substitutions: You can substitute the margarine with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you prefer a less sweet loaf, reduce the honey by 1 ounce.
Tip: Ensure the honey is at room temperature before mixing to prevent the batter from curdling.
Variation: Add 1/2 cup of mixed dried fruits or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
