Irish Barm Brack Recipe – A Delicious Twist on Traditional Irish Fruitcake
Barmbrack, often referred to as Irish Tea Cake, is a beloved traditional dessert in Ireland, especially popular during Halloween. It is a moist, fruity loaf that brings together rich flavors and a delightful texture, perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make dark fruitcake requires soaking dried fruit in strong black tea overnight, making it wonderfully tender and bursting with sweetness. Not only is Barmbrack delicious, but it also carries a fun tradition: small objects like rings or coins are baked inside, and finding one signifies a future event, such as a wedding or good luck in the year ahead. With no butter required, this cake remains surprisingly light yet full of flavor. It’s perfect for your next gathering or as a treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vivatta Maida (Plain Flour) | 225 grams |
| Dry Fruits (golden raisins, sultanas, candied peel, glacé cherries, dried cranberries, dried apricots) | 375 grams |
| Baking Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Tea (strong black tea decoction, cooled) | 250 ml |
| Whiskey (optional) | 50 ml |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 125 grams |
| Whole Egg | 1 |
| All Spice Powder | 2 teaspoons |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Instructions
-
Soak the Fruit:
In a large bowl, combine the dried fruits (golden raisins, sultanas, candied peel, glacé cherries, dried cranberries, and apricots) with 250 ml of cold tea and 50 ml of whiskey (if using). Stir well to ensure the fruits are evenly soaked. Allow the mixture to sit overnight so the fruit absorbs the tea and whiskey, creating a soft, plump fruit base for the cake. -
-
Preheat the Oven:
The next day, preheat your oven to 170°C (327°F) or Gas Mark 3. Grease and line a 900g loaf tin with parchment paper, ensuring the tin is well-prepared for the batter. -
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the Vivatta Maida (plain flour), baking powder, brown sugar, and all-spice powder. These dry ingredients will form the base of the Barm Brack. -
Make a Well and Add the Egg:
Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and crack the egg into it. Use a wooden spoon to mix the egg into the flour and spice mixture until just combined. -
Incorporate the Soaked Fruit:
Take the soaked fruit mixture, which should be well-soaked and plump, and add a little bit of the tea liquid into the fruit. Add the fruit and tea mixture to the flour and egg mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring that the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the dough. The mixture should be wet but not too runny. -
Transfer to the Loaf Tin:
Spoon the fruit-laden batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with the back of the spoon. -
Bake the Barm Brack:
Place the loaf tin on the middle shelf of the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have a beautiful golden-brown top. -
Cool and Rest:
Remove the Barm Brack from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the tin. After 10 minutes, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For the best flavor, cover the cooled cake in cling film and then tin foil, and let it rest for 1 to 2 days before slicing. This resting time allows the flavors to develop and intensify. -
Serve:
Once the Barm Brack has rested, slice it into thick, hearty pieces. Traditionally, this cake is served with butter spread on each slice, enhancing its flavors and adding a touch of richness.Serving Suggestion: Serve Irish Barm Brack for a special occasion, or pair it with a cup of espresso coffee and a savory dish like Chicken Sandwich with Sweet Corn for a delightful afternoon tea.
Storage
To keep your Irish Barm Brack fresh, store it in an airtight tin at room temperature. The cake will stay delicious for up to 10 days, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with loved ones during a festive gathering.
Why You’ll Love Irish Barm Brack:
- A Tradition with a Twist: Barmbrack is a piece of Irish heritage, especially associated with Halloween, where lucky objects like rings are baked inside to bring fortune to the lucky finders.
- Moist and Flavorful: The long soak in strong tea ensures that the dried fruits absorb maximum flavor, resulting in a moist, fragrant cake.
- No Butter Needed: Despite its richness, this cake doesn’t require butter, making it a lighter alternative to some traditional fruitcakes.
- Simple Ingredients, Rich Flavor: With everyday pantry staples, you can create a cake that tastes like it came from an Irish bakery. The mix of spices and dried fruits creates a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and complex.
Irish Barm Brack is a true comfort food that’s perfect for both casual and special occasions. Whether you’re preparing it for a Halloween celebration or just for a cozy afternoon tea, this easy-to-make fruitcake will bring a taste of Ireland right to your table.
