It’s a delightful cross between coffee cake and sweet bread, loaded with dried fruits and whole grains. Perfect for breakfast or a delicious treat to accompany your afternoon tea!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and sweetness, making it ideal for both a satisfying breakfast and a cozy tea time snack. The raisins and dates soak in hot tea, which makes the cake incredibly moist and full of rich flavor. The whole wheat flour adds a hearty, nutty touch, and the slight sweetness from the brown sugar and granulated sugar gives just the right amount of indulgence without being overwhelming. It reminds me of Raisin Bran in cake form, but even better! It’s easy to make, too, and it fills your home with a wonderful scent while it’s baking. You can even make it ahead of time, and it keeps well for several days.

Tea Time Raisin & Date Cake

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Additional Time: 45 minutes (for soaking)
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup brewed hot tea
• 2 cups raisins
• 1 ½ cups dates, chopped
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Fruit

In a medium bowl, pour the hot tea over the raisins and chopped dates. Stir occasionally and let the mixture sit for at least 45 minutes. This will allow the fruits to soften and plump up. You can also do this step the night before and let the fruits soak overnight in the refrigerator for extra convenience.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the soaked raisins and dates to the dry ingredients, including any liquid that was left from soaking the fruit. Stir everything together until the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Crack the egg into the bowl and stir until the batter is smooth and all the ingredients are fully combined. The batter will be thick and sticky.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Grease an 8-inch round cake pan, and then spread the batter evenly into the pan. Sprinkle the top of the batter with the granulated sugar for a little extra sweetness and crunch.

Place the cake in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, turn the cake out of the pan and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, slice and serve. This cake is great for breakfast, tea time, or a sweet snack during the day!

Tips and Tricks

• Soak the Fruit Longer: Soaking the raisins and dates for longer, like overnight, will make the fruit even more plump and juicy, resulting in a moister cake. This also helps to infuse the fruit with more of the tea’s flavor.
• Tea Variety: You can use different types of tea depending on your taste preferences. A fruity tea like berry or hibiscus will infuse a more vibrant flavor, while black tea or chai will add a more robust, spiced flavor.
• Whole Wheat Flour Substitution: If you prefer a lighter cake, you can substitute half or all of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour, though the whole wheat flour gives a heartier, more rustic flavor.
• Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, feel free to add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter. They’ll complement the fruit perfectly and give the cake an extra texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the egg and mixing everything together, avoid overmixing the batter to ensure your cake stays tender and light. Mix until just combined.

Notes

• Sweetness Level: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly. The dates and raisins already provide natural sweetness, so you can adjust the sugar to your liking.
• Consistency: The batter will be thick, so don’t worry if it’s not pourable. You’ll need to spread it evenly in the pan with a spatula, which helps ensure an even bake.
• Storage: This cake keeps well for up to 3-4 days at room temperature in an airtight container. The flavors will continue to deepen and develop as it sits.
• Freezing: You can freeze this cake for up to 2-3 months. Slice the cake before freezing, and store the slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Storage and Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. It will stay moist, thanks to the tea-soaked fruit, and won’t dry out quickly.
• Refrigeration: While it’s not necessary to refrigerate the cake, if you live in a particularly warm climate, you may want to store it in the fridge to prevent it from becoming too soft or overripe.
• Freezing: If you want to keep the cake longer, you can freeze it in slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper before placing it in a freezer bag. To enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

FAQs

1. Can I use different dried fruits?
   Yes! You can substitute raisins and dates with other dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, or figs. Just make sure to chop larger fruits into smaller pieces so they mix evenly into the batter.
2. Can I use a different pan size?
   If you don’t have an 8-inch round cake pan, you can use a square pan or a loaf pan, but keep in mind that baking times may vary. Start checking for doneness at around 50 minutes.
3. Can I make this cake without tea?
   While the tea helps to plump up the fruit and adds a unique flavor, you can substitute the tea with warm water or fruit juice, depending on your flavor preferences. Just be aware that the cake’s taste may change slightly.
4. Is this cake gluten-free?
   No, this cake contains whole wheat flour, which is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend if you need to make it gluten-free.

Enjoy your Tea Time Raisin & Date Cake—a hearty, flavorful, and naturally sweet cake that’s perfect for any occasion!