Apricot and Raisin Bran Loaf

Monday 18 July 2016

Apricot and Raisin Bran Loaf





My husband is a real fan of this fruit loaf we can buy in the shops over here, it's low in fat and kind of squidgy.  I forget what it is called.  I buy it because I recognize the packaging.  I think it is called Malt Loaf and I believe it is an acquired taste.


Myself, I am not too, too fond of it, but he loves it, especially cut and spread with butter.  This recipe today is one that I had been eyeing up in a baking book of mine for a very long time now.  


The book is a little chunky food book by Murdoch books entitled Sweet Food, and it's filled with lots of lovely bakes, including this lovely Apricot &Raisin Bran Loaf.




Apricot and Raisin Bran Loaf







Its actually a really easy loaf to make.  There is no fat in it at all . . .  no butter, no eggs, so its also low cholesterol . . .




 Apricot and Raisin Bran Loaf





It's got sugar in it, which isn't great, but  . . .  you got to have something bad I guess.  Loads of dried apricots and raisins, which I love  . . .




Apricot and Raisin Bran Loaf






Lots of fibre from bran cereal and whole wheat flour, so they kind of outweigh the bad a bit . . .   but look at all that lovely, dried fruit.  My husband fell in love with it . . .




Apricot and Raisin Bran Loaf






It's a somewhat stodgy heavy loaf, but that isn't a problem really because it slices like a dream . . .  and the secret to its deliciousness comes when you slice it, toast it and then spread it with butter . . . 


That is when the real magic happens.  You won't want to miss out on this.  It's gorgeous!  Simple, delicious and gorgeous.  I think that's what you call a Hat-Trick!





Apricot and Raisin Bran Loaf






*Apricot and Raisin Bran Loaf*
Makes one loaf
Serves 6 to 8


This is a simple, fat free loaf which is stogged full of dried fruit.  If you are not fond of apricots and raisins, use another kind of fruit.  It's absolutely delicious sliced, toasted and then spread with butter for eating! 

150g dried apricots, chopped (3/4 cup)
160g raisins (1 cup)
70g processed bran cereal (1 cup, I used All Bran)
95g soft light brown sugar (1/2 cup packed)
375ml warm milk (1 1/2 cups)
140g self raising flour (1 cup)
70 g whole wheat self raising flour (1/2 cup)
1 tsp mixed spice (you can find the recipe to make your own here
it is very similar to pumpkin spice.)




Apricot and Raisin Bran Loaf





Measure the dried fruits, bran cereal and brown sugar into a bowl.   Add the warm milk and stir.  Leave to set for half an hour.  Most of the liquid will have been absorbed.



Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4.  Butter a medium deep loaf tin and line with paper.  Set aside.


Whisk together the flours and mixed spice to aerate somewhat.   Stir into the wet mixture to combine.  You will have a wet, stiff mixture.   Spread into the prepared pan, leveling off the top.




Apricot and Raisin Bran Loaf






Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.  If you think it is browning too quickly, cover lightly with some foil.


Leave in the tin for 10 minutes to cool, then tip out onto a wire rack to finish cooling.




Apricot and Raisin Bran Loaf




Cut into thick slices to serve with a nice hot cuppa.  It's ever so lovely toasted and buttered.
Store in an airtight container. It will keep for quite a few days.



Apricot and Raisin Bran Loaf





Bon Appetit!

6 comments

  1. I love this banana loaf Marie, look delicious:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Gloria, but there is no banana in it. It's a BRAN loaf! ☺ xoxo

      Delete
  2. The other day I was thinking of tea loaves. I am always looking for eggless cakes for me. This might be great for a special breakfast.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by. I love to hear from you so do not be shy!


BEFORE LEAVING A COMMENT OR RATING, ASK YOURSELF:
Did you make the recipe as directed? Recipe results are not guaranteed when changes have been made.

Is this comment helpful to other readers? Rude or hateful comments will not be approved. Remember that this website is run by a real person.

Are you here to complain about ads? Please keep in mind that I develop these recipes and provide them to you for free. Advertising helps to defray my cost of doing so, and allows me to continue to post regular fresh content.

Thanks so much for your understanding! I appreciate you!