Description
Irish Barmbrack is a traditional fruit bread soaked in strong tea and loaded with a medley of dried fruits and warm spices. This moist and flavorful loaf is perfect for tea time or festive occasions, offering a delightful combination of chewy fruits and aromatic spices baked into a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Soaking Ingredients
- 1 cup cold, strong brewed tea (Tazo Wild Orange recommended)
- ¾ cup golden raisins
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup dried cherries
- ½ tsp dried orange peel or zest of 1 large orange
Batter Ingredients
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups self rising flour (or 2 cups all-purpose flour with 3 tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt)
Instructions
- Soak the Fruits: In a bowl, combine the cold strong brewed tea with golden raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, and dried orange peel or orange zest. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate overnight to allow the dried fruits to plump and absorb flavors.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the soaked fruit and tea mixture along with the egg, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the self rising flour to the bowl and stir until the mixture forms a wet dough with all flour incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Bake the Bread: Transfer the dough into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, check the bread’s color; if it is browning too quickly, cover the top loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Check Doneness and Cool: Continue baking for an additional 15-30 minutes until the bread is fully cooked (total baking time typically between 75-80 minutes). Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is done. Remove from oven and transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Soaking the fruits overnight enhances their flavor and moisture in the bread.
- Using self rising flour simplifies the recipe, but you can make your own by adding baking powder and salt to all-purpose flour.
- Cover the bread with foil if it browns too quickly to ensure even baking.
- Allow the bread to cool completely for easier slicing and best texture.
- This bread stores well and can be wrapped tightly at room temperature for 2-3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus overnight soaking
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
