Almond and Cherry Tea Loaf

I just love this cake.Its so classy,can be made whenever you feel like,needs minimum checking and ohh is so very delicious!This cake rocks for formal teas,informal chai times and is a great favourite for picnics and journeys.The shelf life of this cake is more and so its more economical.With a crisp crust,lots of dry fruits and a delicious taste this cake is surely a must try!

Lovingly made for my Aunty and Uncle who came a long way to see me..:)

I have used plain refined Oil without any aroma like sunflower or blended oils.You can also use melted butter.

Preparation Time : 1 hour

Makes : 1 standard 500 gms loaf

INGREDIENTS

2 cups flour(maida)

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp Vanilla/Almond essence

1 cup Oil

4 eggs

1/2 cup Almonds – roughly chopped

1/2 cup Glace´cherries/dried cherries – chopped in half

Extra flour/baking spray for lining the pan

METHOD

Preheat oven to 150°C.Mix the chopped Almonds and Cherries in a bowl.

The chopped Almonds and Cherries…

Sift flour with baking powder into another bowl and add 3/4 of the chopped fruit to it.Mix well.

In a big mixing bowl add the sugar and eggs and beat till frothy.Slowly pour in the Oil and essence beating all the while till thick and well mixed.

Now fold in the flour mixture.Add 2-3 tbsp flour mixture to the egg and sugar batter and mix in an up and down motion with a wooden or silicon spatula till well blended.Add the rest of the flour and finally mix well.

Line the loaf pan with baking paper,some flour and oil/butter or spray and spoon the cake batter into it.Sprinkle the rest of the chopped fruit and nuts on top.

Before going for baking…

Bake for 1 hour at 150°C till well risen and a skewer or knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool for 5 minutes in the tin and remove.Cool further till it comes to room temperature and then cut slices.Serve with tea or coffee.

Shots of the cake…

The magic of one slice…