Baking · Loaf

Orange Spice Tea Loaf

I made this for the first time on a rainy Saturday and it became an instant fixture in my autumn baking rotation. The spiced tea syrup that you brush over the loaf while it is still warm is the step that makes the whole thing. It keeps the crumb moist for days and adds a warmth that you cannot achieve by just putting spice in the batter.

Ingredients

For the cake

• 40g olive oil
• 230g sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 100g plain yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
• 220g all-purpose flour
• 1.5 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 80g unsalted butter, melted
• 2–3 tsp Orange Spice Tea, finely ground

For the filling

• 250ml heavy cream
• 75g plain yogurt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 3 tbsp orange marmalade
• 1/2 tbsp icing sugar (plus extra to dust)

Method

1. 1 Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. 2 Mix sugar, eggs, oil, butter, yogurt, vanilla, and ground tea. Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
3. 3 Pour into pan and bake 55–60 minutes. Cool completely.
4. 4 Whip heavy cream, yogurt, icing sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
5. 5 Slice the cooled loaf in half lengthways.
6. 6 Spread orange marmalade on the bottom half, top with whipped cream mixture, then place the second half on top.
7. 7 Dust with icing sugar before serving.

Tips & Notes

Brew the spiced tea strong and allow it to infuse for at least 10 minutes. This loaf is wonderfully moist and keeps well for up to 5 days. A drizzle of orange glaze takes it to the next level.