Prue Leith’s Malt Loaf Recipe (2024)

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Fans ofThe Great British Bake Off might remember Prue Leith’s epic Malt Loaf recipe. Our friend, James Collier, shares his interpretation of this British holiday and tea time classic.

Prue Leith’s Malt Loaf Recipe (1)

A malt loaf is a type of sweet, leavened bread made with malt extract as a primary ingredient. Prue Leith describes it as a “richer, denser fruitcake”. This old-fashioned British recipe took American by storm when it was featured on Season 12 of the Great British Bake- Off. It’s usually served during tea time, and is sliced and served with a smear of butter, and maybe jam or honey. Most malt loaf recipes call for soaked dried fruit to be added to the mix, usually raisins, prunes or both.

Malt loaf is also sometimes called “Harvo loaf” because of a well-known UK bakery called Harvo that offered the bread through the 1970s. Although commercially made malt loaf is available in certain areas of the US, quick breads and raisin bread are far more common.

Fun fact: One of the first Malt Loaf recipes was patented in England in 1886, and then in the US in 1889 by John Montgomery. The (very) specific techniques he used to bake malt loaf caused some of the starches to break down into malt sugar – resulting in a softer bread with a longer shelf life.

How to serve malt loaf

In Britain, malt loaf is slathered in whipped butter and served alongside afternoon tea. That sounds perfectly lovely but we’d probably enjoy a slice with our morning coffee, or with a glass of red wine after dinner.

For her iconic malt loaf, Prue doubled down on the rich, caramel flavors of California Prunes. She used both chopped prunes and prune purée to add flavor and moisture to this recipe. Molasses, brown sugar, tea and raisins all add to the unique flavor and texture of this old fashioned recipe.

Prue Leith’s Malt Loaf Recipe (2)
Prue Leith’s Malt Loaf Recipe (3)

Prue Leith’s Malt Loaf Recipe (4)

Prue Leith’s Malt Loaf

Prue Leith

Fans of The Great British Bake Off might remember Prue Leith’s epic Malt Loaf. Our friend, James Collier, shares his interpretation of this British holiday and tea time classic.

5 from 6 votes

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Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Chef Created, Holiday

Servings 8

Calories 342 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 bag black tea
  • 3/4 cup near-boiling water
  • 2 cups California raisins
  • 3/4 cup pitted California Prunes finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 cup prune purée
  • 1/4 cup malt extract *1/4 cup prune purée could be substituted for the malt extract
  • 2 TBSP blackstrap molasses
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 TBSP baking powder (bicarb)
  • 2 eggs beaten

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325° F (160C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

  • Place the teabag in a large mug or Pyrex bowl and steep in the hot water for 5 minutes, then discard the bag.

  • Add the brewed tea, raisins, and chopped prunes to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with cling wrap, piercing it with a few holes to allow steam to release. Microwave at full power for 4 minutes, then remove the cling wrap and stir in the baking soda. Let the bowl sit on a counter for 10 minutes.

  • Combine the prune puree, malt extract (if using), molasses, and brown sugar in a small pan, heating on low and stirring continuously until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

  • Sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Create a well in the center, then pour in the cooled prune purée and the tea-soaked fruit, along with any remaining soaking liquid. Fold gently to combine the ingredients. Add the beaten eggs, and continue stirring gently until evenly mixed.

  • Pour the mixture into the lined loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the loaf to cool completely in the pan.

  • Once cool, slice to serve, or wrap in baking paper and let sit for 1-2 days to continue developing flavor!

Notes

Prune Puree*

Prep time: 5 minutes | Yield: 1 cup (250 ml)

  • 16 ounces (450g) pitted California prunes
  • 1/2 cup (125ml) hot water

Combine the prunes and water in a blender. Pulse to combine, then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping the sides if necessary.

Store the purée in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.

Pro Tip from Prue:

For maximum squidgy texture, wrap the finished loaf and leave it for a few days before eating. Get Prue’s original Malt Loaf recipe here.

Bake a little more:

Love Prue Leith’s Malt Loaf? Be sure to try our Incredible Pecan Sticky Buns! Both recipes are full of rich flavors enhanced by the natural sweetness of California Prunes.

Nutrition

Calories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 81gProtein: 6gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.004gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 261mgPotassium: 595mgFiber: 5gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 229IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 3mg

Keyword baking, British, Great British Bake Off, malt loaf, Prue Leith

Tried this recipe? Want to save it for later?Share it on social and tag @CAPrunes or #CAPrunes!

Prue Leith’s Malt Loaf Recipe (5)

Gooey Chocolate Pudding Cake

Once you’ve mastered Prue’s Malt Loaf (or the U.S. version of it, anyway!) Try thisGooey Chocolate Pudding CakebyChef Peter Sidwellnext! You’ll be a Great British Baker in no time.

Prue Leith’s Malt Loaf Recipe (6)

Nigella’s Vegan Gingerbread

If you have any doubts that Nigella Lawson is an actual domestic goddess, just take a bite of her vegan gingerbread. She calls it “squidgy” – we’re pretty sure that’s British for “mind-blowingly awesome”.

Peter Sidwell’s Gingerbread Recipe

This gingerbread recipe is *gasp* healthy? We won’t tell if you don’t. Using California Prunes and puréed butternut squash adds flavor and moisture and lowers the fat content of this classic holiday recipe.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

This traditional British Sticky Toffee Pudding dessert from Belly Full gets a slight makeover with sweet California Prunes instead of dates. Tender sponge cake is coated in a buttery and luscious caramel sauce. Every bite is to die for!

Did you try this recipe? Maybe you’ve got a favorite recipe using California Prunes that you’d like to share with us? Snap a pic and share it on social using #caprunes.

Like what you see? Be sure to follow California Prunes on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter for more delicious recipes!

Prue Leith’s Malt Loaf Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the American equivalent of malt loaf? ›

Malt loaf is also sometimes called “Harvo loaf” because of a well-known UK bakery called Harvo that offered the bread through the 1970s. Although commercially made malt loaf is available in certain areas of the US, quick breads and raisin bread are far more common.

Is malt loaf good for you? ›

Rich in. 'b' vitamins

Malt is a rich source of B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate and vitamin B-6. B vitamins are essential for converting the carbs, protein and fat contained in food into energy.

What is malt loaf in America? ›

Malt loaf is a type of sweet leavened bread made with malt extract as a primary ingredient. It has a chewy texture and often contains raisins.

Is malt loaf the same as fruit cake? ›

I think of Malt Loaf as something of a cross between a fruit cake and gingerbread. Two sterling British baking classics! It's got a damp and squidgy texture, just like gingerbread, but the high proportion of dried fruit gives a really juicy pop when you bite into it.

Why is malt loaf so good? ›

The grain is then mashed to extract the sugars. This produces a syrupy substance known as malt extract, which is what gives the cake its unique sticky texture and naturally sweet flavour. A small amount of dried fruit is also added to the malt loaf to give it extra natural sugars.

Who makes Aldi malt loaf? ›

Village Bakery So Malty Malt Loaf 280g | ALDI.

Can Type 2 diabetics eat malt loaf? ›

Bring in a few and keep on your desk to help you meet your five a day. As an occasional treat malt loaf, a slice of fruit loaf, scone or teacake could be enjoyed particularly if you know you will be active and do not need to lose weight. These are healthier options compared to chocolate, biscuits and sweets.

Is malt loaf OK for diabetics? ›

Snacks: One portion of fruit • 2 - 3 tbsp fat free, diet yoghurt • 1 - 2 plain biscuits, 1 - 2 savoury crackers with 1 tbsp cottage cheese or peanut butter • One slice currant bread, malt loaf, small teacake or scone • A boiled egg • 2 - 3 slices of cooked meat • 5 - 8 olives • Vegetable sticks (for example.

What do you eat with malt loaf? ›

If you've never tried it, peanut butter is a delicious topping for our Malt Loaf, creating a sweet and savoury taste sensation that's very more-ish. Add a few slices of banana to make your snack even tastier.

Do you toast malt loaf? ›

Second of all, toasting it means the breakdown of sugar causes an already sticky loaf to turn into toffee, and you are left tonguing your teeth in an effort to prize caramelised bits of maltloaf from the back of your molars like some gluttonous Sisyphus. It won't budge! To sum up – sticky chew cold butter good.

Is malt loaf a British thing? ›

While it's likely that you won't encounter malt loaf state-side, across the pond, it's been an essential part of tea time in the United Kingdom since John Montgomerie patented the recipe for “Malted Bread” in Scotland in 1889.

What is Scottish fruit cake called? ›

Dundee cake is a traditional Scottish fruit cake.

How long does a malt loaf last? ›

To Defrost: Leave in packaging and allow to defrost at room temperature for 2 hours. Once defrosted keep in a cool, dry place away from strong light and odours. Once opened store in an airtight container and consume within 4 days, or within 10 days of defrost (if unopened), whichever is the sooner.

Is malt loaf full of sugar? ›

They are very insistent on a healthy lunch (rightly so) with no cakes or biscuits but does malt loaf count as a cake?! She really likes it and as it's calorie dense and small it keeps her hunger locked up for much longer. No it's not. its absolutely full of sugar.

What can I replace malt with in baking? ›

What can I use as a replacement for malt powder in baking? If you don't have malt powder, you can use honey, maple syrup, or brown rice syrup as a replacement in baking recipes. These alternatives will add a similar sweetness and moisture to your baked goods.

What is a substitute for malt in baking? ›

Yes, molasses makes an excellent substitute for barley malt syrup. Use an equal amount of molasses in place of the barley malt syrup called for in the recipe. Mild molasses offers the closest flavor match.

Is malt the same as rye? ›

Rye is also a common grain whisky, especially in countries like Japan. Malt whisky, on the other hand, is made exclusively from malted barley.

References

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