Apricot Tea Bread (Healthier!)

🍑🍞 Apricot Tea Bread 🍞🍑

Apricot tea bread is a delightful and healthier treat that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apricots with the warmth of tea. This moist and delicious bread is perfect for tea time or as a snack. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and the time needed to make it!

📜 History:
The exact origins of apricot tea bread are a bit hazy, but it’s believed to have evolved from traditional fruit bread recipes that date back centuries. Apricots have been cultivated for thousands of years, and their use in baked goods likely began in regions where apricot trees were abundant. Over time, this delectable bread has become a popular choice for tea and coffee gatherings worldwide.

🥖 Components:
To make apricot tea bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups dried apricots, chopped
• 1 cup hot brewed tea (black tea works well)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup for sweetness
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (for a healthier twist)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (for moisture)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional for flavor)
• A pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Soak Apricots: Place the chopped dried apricots in a bowl and pour hot brewed tea over them. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to plump up.

2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, eggs, and Greek yogurt until well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.

5. Combine Everything: Drain the soaked apricots and add them to the wet ingredients. Then, gradually fold in the dry ingredients until a thick batter forms.

6. Bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool: Allow the apricot tea bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Slice and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the bread into thick, delicious pieces. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee.

⏰ Time Needed:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Soaking: 30 minutes
• Baking: 45-55 minutes
• Cooling: 15-20 minutes
• Total: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade, healthier apricot tea bread! It’s a delightful treat that combines the goodness of apricots with the comfort of tea in every bite. 😊🍑🍞

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Tea Bread:

📊 Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 200-250 kcal
• Total Fat: 3-5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 4-5 grams
• Sugars: 20-25 grams
• Protein: 5-7 grams

🍏 Health Information:

• Fiber: Apricot tea bread contains a good amount of dietary fiber, thanks to the whole wheat flour and rolled oats. Fiber promotes digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.

• Protein: The inclusion of Greek yogurt and eggs provides some protein, which is essential for tissue repair and overall body function.

• Low Saturated Fat: This recipe uses minimal saturated fat, which is good for heart health.

• Natural Sweeteners: The use of honey or maple syrup as sweeteners provides a more natural and less refined source of sweetness compared to white sugar.

• Antioxidants: Apricots are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene, which can help protect your cells from damage.

• Whole Grains: Whole wheat flour and rolled oats contribute whole grains to the recipe, which are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases.

• Moderate Calories: The calorie content is moderate, making this bread a reasonable treat when consumed in moderation.

Remember that the exact nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to check packaging labels or use a nutritional calculator for precise information based on your ingredients and serving size. Enjoy your apricot tea bread in a balanced diet for a tasty and wholesome treat! 😊🍞🍑