Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Apricot Almond Tea Bread, a perfect companion for your afternoon tea or a sweet treat any time of day! This moist and flavorful loaf is packed with the natural sweetness of dried apricots and the crunchy goodness of almonds, making it a unique addition to your baking repertoire. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a scrumptious bread that will have your friends and family begging for the recipe. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into this easy yet irresistible recipe that will elevate your baking game!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, soak the chopped dried apricots in hot water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the softened chopped apricots and chopped almonds, stirring gently to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze before serving. Best enjoyed with afternoon tea.
Tips
- Soak the Apricots: Soaking the dried apricots in hot water not only softens them but also enhances their flavor and moisture content, resulting in a more tender bread.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them incorporate better, leading to a fluffier texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so be gentle when folding in the apricots and almonds.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread at the 50-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming soggy and helps maintain its structure.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, dust the cooled bread with powdered sugar or drizzle a light glaze over the top. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
