Irish Barmbrack Fruit Bread (Print Version)
Moist, lightly spiced Irish bread packed with tea-soaked dried fruits, ideal for a comforting treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dried Fruits
01 - 1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)
02 - 1/3 cup mixed peel (optional)
03 - 1 cup strong black tea, hot
→ Bread Base
04 - 2 cups plain all-purpose flour
05 - 1/2 cup brown sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground mixed spice
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
12 - Zest of 1 orange (optional)
# How to Cook:
01 - Combine the dried fruit and mixed peel in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot tea over the fruit, cover the bowl, and let it soak for 1 hour. For extra plumpness, you can soak overnight in the refrigerator.
02 - Preheat your oven to 340°F. Grease a 2 pound loaf tin thoroughly with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
03 - Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, mixed spice, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar and whisk together until evenly distributed.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with the melted butter and orange zest (if using) until well combined.
05 - Pour the wet mixture and the soaked fruit along with any remaining tea liquid into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold everything together gently just until the flour is incorporated. Do not overmix.
06 - Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf tin, using the spatula to spread it evenly. Smooth the top surface with the back of a spoon.
07 - Place the tin in the center of the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is done when a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Let the bread cool in the tin for 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.
09 - Slice the barmbrack and serve plain or spread generously with butter. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The tea soaking method makes the fruit incredibly plump and juicy throughout every single bite
- This bread keeps beautifully for days actually developing more depth and flavor as it sits
- Its somehow both comforting enough for rainy mornings and special enough for holiday gatherings
02 -
- The soaking step cannot be skipped or rushed as it is the defining characteristic that makes Barmbrack so moist and distinctive
- Do not worry if the batter seems thick compared to other quick breads it should be heavy and dense from all that fruit
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the melted butter from seizing when combined with the egg
- The skewer test is crucial because this dense bread can look done while still being slightly raw in the center