There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. It takes me back to lazy Sunday afternoons spent at home, and nothing feels quite as comforting as a slice of warm malt loaf with a cup of tea. This recipe is not only easy and quick, but it also makes for a delightful treat to share with friends or family. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Why You’ll Love Malt Loaf
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 200g malt extract: This is the star of our loaf, giving it that rich flavor and beautiful color.
- 250ml warm water: Helps to dissolve the malt extract and sugar, creating a lovely base.
- 100g brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 300g mixed dried fruit: Use a mix of raisins, sultanas, and currants for a burst of flavor in every bite.
- 250g self-raising flour: This gives our loaf the perfect lift.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Just a little extra boost to make sure your loaf rises beautifully.
- 1 tsp ground mixed spice: A warm blend that adds a cozy aroma.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Because cinnamon makes everything better!
- 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together.
- 50g chopped nuts (optional): I love adding walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
How to Make Malt Loaf
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and grease a loaf tin. This ensures your malt loaf comes out easily.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the malt extract, warm water, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a lovely sweet mixture.
- Add the mixed dried fruit to the bowl and stir gently to combine. This will ensure the fruit is evenly spread throughout the loaf.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and ground cinnamon. This step is key to avoiding lumps!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. This adds richness and helps the loaf rise.
- If you’re using them, fold in the chopped nuts for added texture. I find they really elevate the loaf!
- Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Substitutions & Additions
If you want to switch things up, consider these ideas:
- Swap out the mixed dried fruit for your favorite dried fruits, like apricots or figs.
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a little extra warmth.
- Try adding a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet twist, especially if you’re baking for kids!
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way:
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Don’t open the oven door too soon; this can cause the loaf to sink.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- If you want to make it ahead of time, this loaf freezes beautifully!
How to Store Malt Loaf
Once your malt loaf is cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. It will last for about 3-5 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, slice it and freeze the pieces. Just pop a slice in the toaster for a quick treat later!
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based malt extract.
- What can I serve with malt loaf? It’s delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with butter or cream cheese.
- Can I make malt loaf in advance? Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
I hope you enjoy making this malt loaf as much as I do! It’s perfect for those cozy moments at home or as a thoughtful gift for someone special. For more delicious recipes, check out Dash and Dollop or my collection of sweet treats you will love!
And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more inspiring recipes and ideas!
Malt Loaf
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and grease a loaf tin.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the malt extract, warm water, and brown sugar. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Step 3: Add the mixed dried fruit to the bowl and stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and ground cinnamon.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Step 6: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Step 7: Fold in the chopped nuts, if using.
- Step 8: Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Step 10: Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Notes
