Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Zest of one orange or lemon (for flavor, optional)
  • ~¾ cup unsweetened applesauce (180ml)
  • ~⅓ cup milk or dairy-free milk alternative (80ml)
  • ~3 large eggs
  • ~2 tablespoons steeped and cooled strong black tea
  • ~½ cup raisins or dried apricots, chopped (75g)
  • ~¼ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (30g – optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and citrus zest if using. Whisk together until well mixed.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, eggs, and steeped black tea until fully combined.
  4. Mix Together: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients while stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until there are no dry spots; be careful not to overmix.
  5. Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the raisins/apricots and nuts if using until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula for even baking.
  7. Bake: Place in preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool Down: Once baked through, remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
  9. Serve & Enjoy! Slice when completely cooled; serve plain or toasted!