Spiced Raisin Loaf

A simple, old-fashioned fruit loaf with plump raisins, gentle mixed spice and a tender crumb. Easy to make and lovely served sliced with butter, it's the kind of comforting bake that goes perfectly with a cup of tea

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 50–60 minutes Makes: 1 loaf

Ingredients

170 g raisins (sultanas or other dried fruit also work)

55 g butter

¾ cup raw sugar (or a mix of brown and white sugar)

1 tsp mixed spice

1¼ cups water

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1 cup self-raising flour

1 cup plain flour

Method

1. Prepare the loaf tin

Preheat oven to 180°C conventional (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line a standard loaf tin.

2. Cook the fruit mixture

Place raisins, butter, raw sugar, mixed spice and water in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat and simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in bicarbonate of soda. Allow to cool until just lukewarm.

3. Add the flour

Sift self-raising flour and plain flour together. Fold into the cooled fruit mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

4. Bake

Pour into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the surface. Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

5. Cool

Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

From My Kitchen

• Slices beautifully the next day.

• Delicious served with butter.

• Freezes well.

• Lovely lightly toasted.

Serving Suggestion: Serve sliced with butter