Simple British Malt Loaf
They say you never know what you are going to miss until you can’t get it anymore. This is very true. When I lived in the U.K. there were many North American things that I missed greatly and now I am back in Canada, it is the same. I miss loads.
In the U.K. I used to try to recreate some of my favorite North American things and here in Nova Scotia I try to do the same with my British longings.
The other day I was craving Malt Loaf. Malt loaf, for those who don’t know, is a sweet quick bread, made with malt extract, lots of raisins and whole grain flours. It has a chewy dense texture and is beautiful served sliced and spread with butter along with a nice hot cup of tea.
The most popular brand in the U.K. is Soreen Malt Loaf. It is a love it or loathe it kind of thing I think. I personally love it, but then I am fond of any type of loaf or cake that is filled with lots of dried fruits.
- scant 2 cups (300g) raisins
- 1 3/4 cups (200g prunes, cut into smallish bits
- 1 2/3 cup (400ml) strong hot tea
- 3 1/2 TBS (50g) soft butter
- 1/4 cup (75g) molasses or dark treacle
- 3/4 cup (175g) soft dark brown sugar, packed
- 3 large free range eggs
- scant cup (340g) malt extract
- 1 3/4 cup (250g) all purpose plain flour
- 1 3/4 cup (250g) whole wheat flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
I thought that this loaf was even tastier than the Soreen’s Malt Loaf that was readily available in shops in the U.K. It is sticky and dense and filled very generously with fruit.
The British do like a bit of cake with their hot drinks. Some other traditional British bakes I have made to enjoy with a hot cuppa are:
TRADITIONAL SEED CAKE – Said to be Dorothy Wordsworth’s (William’s sister) favorite cake. This is a beautiful rich loaf cake, speckled throughout with sweet caraway seeds. It seems unusual, but it really is a delicious cake.
SULTANA CAKE – This is a beautiful sweet loaf cake which is generously studded throughout with lovely sticky sultana raisins. Lightly flavored with lemon, don’t let the simplicity of this loaf fool you into thinking that it is not something really special. This is a splendid cake!
British Malt Loaf
- scant 2 cups (300g) raisins
- 1 3/4 cups (200g prunes, cut into smallish bits
- 1 2/3 cup (400ml) strong hot tea
- 3 1/2 TBS (50g) soft butter
- 1/4 cup (75g) molasses or dark treacle
- 3/4 cup (175g) soft dark brown sugar, packed
- 3 large free range eggs
- scant cup (340g) malt extract
- 1 3/4 cup (250g) all purpose plain flour
- 1 3/4 cup (250g) whole wheat flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Put all of your fruit into a large bowl. Add the hot tea (to brew the tea, put two bags into the required amount of boiling water and leave to steep for 5 minutes.) Add the butter so that it melts in the heat of the water.
- Butter two (9 by 5 inch) deep loaf tins well and line with baking parchment. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 325*F/160*C/ gas mark 3.
- Whisk the flour, soda and baking powder together. Set aside.
- Whisk the beaten eggs into the steeped fruit, one at a time. Whisk in the malt extract, molasses and brown sugar.
- Fold the flour into the wet mixture, mixing it in well. No dry patches should remain. Divide the batter between the two loaf tins. smoothing the top over.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. When done a toothpick inserted in the center should come out a little sticky with a few damp crumbs attached. Do not overbake. The top will also spring back when lightly touched.
- Leave to cool in the tins on a wire rack. Once cold, remove and wrap well in was or parchment paper. Leave somewhere cold and dark to ripen for 2 days before slicing and enjoying.
- This keeps very well for at least 9 to 10 days.
Did you make this recipe?
This content (written and photography) is the sole property of The English Kitchen. Any reposting or misuse is not permitted. If you are reading this elsewhere, please know that it is stolen content and you may report it to me at: [email protected]
Debunking the myths of English Cookery, one recipe at a time.
The English Kitchen
http://theenglishkitchen.blogspot.com/
Source: https://www.theenglishkitchen.co/2024/01/simple-british-malt-loaf.html
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).