Irish Barm Brack (Fruit Loaf) Recipe
Description:
Irish Barm Brack, also known as Fruit Loaf or Tea Brack, is a delightful traditional bread-like treat hailing from Ireland. Its name “Brack” originates from the Irish word “breac,” meaning speckled, which perfectly describes the texture adorned with juicy raisins and currents soaked in tea. This recipe pays homage to its rich heritage, as it was once baked with barm—a mixture of hops, malt, milk, and flour—during New Year’s festivities. Legend has it that pieces of the loaf were thrown against the back door to ward off poverty in the upcoming year.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Category: Breads
Keywords: Breakfast, Lunch/Snacks, Fruit, European, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 2428.9
- Fat Content: 8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 186mg
- Sodium Content: 3336.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 568.9g
- Fiber Content: 18.4g
- Sugar Content: 351.2g
- Protein Content: 39.4g
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup golden raisins
- 3/4 cup currants
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup cold tea
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp mixed spice
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Soak the golden raisins and currants in cold tea overnight to plump them up with flavor. This process infuses the fruit with a rich, aromatic essence that will elevate your Barm Brack to new heights. |
| 2 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 1 lb loaf pan by lining it with greased parchment paper, ensuring easy removal of your delectable creation once it’s baked to perfection. |
| 3 | In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked raisins and currants with the cold tea, adding in the light brown sugar, self-rising flour, eggs, and mixed spice. Stir vigorously until all ingredients are well incorporated, forming a luscious batter that promises a symphony of flavors with each bite. |
| 4 | Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking and a picture-perfect presentation. |
| 5 | Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until the Barm Brack is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, signaling that it’s ready to be devoured. |
| 6 | Once baked to perfection, remove the Barm Brack from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, tantalizing your taste buds with every slice. |
| 7 | For optimal freshness, store your Irish Barm Brack in a covered tin, where it will stay moist and delicious for days to come, though it’s unlikely to last that long once the aroma of freshly baked goodness fills the air. |
| 8 | Serve slices of this delectable Fruit Loaf lightly buttered for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack, accompanied by a steaming cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate indulgence. Each bite is a journey through Ireland’s culinary heritage, a celebration of tradition, flavor, and the joy of sharing delicious moments with loved ones. |
Embrace the spirit of Ireland with this cherished recipe for Irish Barm Brack, where every slice is a taste of tradition and warmth, perfect for any occasion or time of day. Whether enjoyed with a leisurely breakfast, shared at a cozy afternoon tea, or simply savored as a comforting treat, this Fruit Loaf is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home, spreading joy and happiness with every delicious bite.
