Donna Hay's Earl Grey Tea Cake

Submitted by Tricia Mendes

"A lovely moist tea loaf, from the kitchens of Donna Hay. I found it in a Sunday newspaper magazine and it has become a family favourite. It is very simple to prepare. Can't comment on how long it keeps or whether it freezes well - never been able to keep one for long enough to find out!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 20mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Yields: 1 loaf
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• 1 cup chopped fresh dates
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 3⁄4 cup brewed earl grey tea
• 2 apples, peeled and grated
• 1 1⁄4 cups self-raising flour, sifted
• 3⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 150 g butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 eggs

directions

1. Preheat oven to 160°C.
2. Place the dates, bicarbonate of soda and tea in a bowl and set aside for 10 minutes.
3. Using a hand-held blender, blend the date mixture until smooth. Set aside.
4. Place the apple, flour and sugar in a bowl and mix to combine.
5. Add the butter, vanilla, eggs and date mixture and mix well to combine.
6. Spoon into a lightly-greased 2.5 litre capacity (10 cup) loaf tin and bake for 45 -55 minutes, or until cooked when tested with a skewer.
7. Allow to cool in tin for 10 minutes before turning out on to a wire tack to cool completely.