Almond Tea Bread: fluffy and delicious dessert

This delightful almond-flavored tea loaf is sure to be a firm favorite when you have friends or family round for a visit.

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the almond paste and butter; beat until well blended.

Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In a small bowl, gently toss your fruit and 1 tablespoon flour (this stops the fruit sinking to the bottom of the cake batter). Set aside.

Combine the baking powder, salt, remaining flour; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.

Spoon a sixth of the batter into a 2lb. loaf pan; sprinkle layers with half of the fruit. Cover with another layer of batter and sprinkle with remaining fruit. Top with remaining batter; smooth with spatula.

Bake at 350F/160C fan/gas mark 4 until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean – about 1-1/4 hours. Cool for 10 minutes in the tins before removing to wire racks to cool.

Notes

*To make your own almond paste (8oz):

Ingredients:

4oz ground almonds

2oz icing sugar

2oz caster sugar

1 small egg (beaten)

½ tsp. lemon juice

1-2 drops vanilla or almond essence

Place all ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the “K” beater on minimum speed, mix together until the ingredients form a thick paste. Cover until ready to use.