Jamie Oliver Tea Loaf Recipe

This Jamie Oliver Tea Loaf Recipe is everything you want in a cozy bake—moist, spiced, and packed with juicy soaked fruit. It’s the kind of loaf that fills your kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma and tastes even better with a smear of butter and a cup of tea. I was amazed at how simple the ingredients were, and yet the flavor was so nostalgic and rich. A total keeper for afternoon tea! (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 150 g (¾ cup) sultanas
• 150 g (¾ cup) raisins
• 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) freshly made tea (using 2 tea bags)
• 250 g (2 cups + 1 tbsp) plain (all-purpose) flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 200 g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) soft light brown sugar
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

How To Make Jamie Oliver Tea Loaf Recipe

Soak the Fruit:
Start by soaking the sultanas and raisins in hot tea. I used a strong English Breakfast blend, and it gave such a nice depth of flavor. Cover the bowl and let it sit overnight—this is the secret to getting those juicy, tea-infused bites in every slice.

Preheat and Prep:
The next day, preheat your oven to 170°C (325°F) on the fan setting. Line a 2-lb loaf tin with baking parchment. This step makes it easy to lift out later and keeps the edges nice and clean.

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, soft brown sugar, and mixed spice. The aroma from the spice mix already hints at how cozy this loaf will be.

Add the Wet Ingredients:
Crack in the eggs and pour in the melted butter. Stir everything together until combined. It’ll look quite thick before the fruit goes in.

Combine the Fruit:
Pour in the soaked sultanas and raisins along with all that lovely tea they’ve been soaking in. The mixture will loosen up and become very moist. That’s exactly what you want!

Bake It Up:
Spoon the batter into your lined loaf tin and smooth out the top. Bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check doneness with a skewer—it should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly, just tent it with foil.

Cool and Slice:
Let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled completely, slice it up and enjoy with a hot cup of tea!

Why I Love This Recipe

I made this tea loaf on a rainy Sunday and it was just the thing to brighten the day. It’s so simple but delivers huge on flavor. My family loved it with butter and a drizzle of honey. It’s one of those bakes you’ll want to make again and again because it just works—and it smells absolutely divine.

Recipe Tips

• Use strong tea: English Breakfast or Earl Grey give the loaf extra flavor.
• Soak thoroughly: Let the fruit soak overnight for the best texture and sweetness.
• Cut the sugar if needed: You can reduce it slightly if you like things less sweet, but it may affect the moisture.
• Watch the bake time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it after the 1-hour mark.
• Rest before slicing: Cooling helps the loaf firm up and slice cleanly.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver Tea Loaf Recipe

At Room Temperature

Wrap tightly in cling film or store in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days on the counter.

In the Fridge

For longer freshness, keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving or toast lightly.

In the Freezer

Wrap the loaf or individual slices in cling film, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

• Oven: Wrap in foil and warm at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 30–40 seconds on high.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 181
• Carbs: 31g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 5.4g
• Sugar: 19g
• Fibre: 1g
• Sodium: 100mg

Let’s Answer a Few Questions!

Can I use other dried fruits?
Totally! Try chopped apricots, cranberries, or even dates for a fun twist.

What if I forget to soak the fruit overnight?
You can soak them in hot tea for 1-2 hours in a pinch, but overnight is best for full flavor.

Is it supposed to be really moist?
Yes! The soaked fruit makes this loaf incredibly moist—almost like a fruity sponge.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Sure! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It may alter the texture slightly, but still tastes great.

How do I keep the top from burning?
If it starts browning too much, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.

Try More Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver Baileys Cheesecake
• Jamie Oliver Fig Tart
• Jamie Oliver Coconut Macaroons