If you’re looking for a delightful treat to enjoy alongside your afternoon tea or coffee, look no further than this wholesome Fat-Free Tea Loaf Cake recipe. Perfect for those watching their fat intake, this cake is light, flavorful, and easy to make. Packed with the goodness of dried fruits and fragrant spices, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
**Fat-Free Tea Loaf Cake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup brewed black tea
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and chopped apricots)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Zest of 1 orange
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal.
2. In a small bowl, pour the hot brewed tea over the mixed dried fruits. Let them soak and plump up for about 15-20 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set it aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce with the granulated sugar until well blended. Add the lemon zest and orange zest, mixing to incorporate.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
6. Gently fold in the soaked dried fruits along with any remaining tea. Make sure the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Once baked, remove the tea loaf cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and serve your Fat-Free Tea Loaf Cake with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee for a delightful, guilt-free treat any time of day!
This Fat-Free Tea Loaf Cake is a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. It’s moist, packed with fruity flavors, and, best of all, fat-free! Enjoy a slice as a morning pick-me-up, a midday snack, or a sweet ending to your evening. This recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen, catering to your cravings while keeping your health goals in mind.
