Description
Traditional Irish Barmbrack is a moist and delicious fruit bread packed with golden raisins, dried cranberries, cherries, and a hint of citrus zest, infused with warm spices and brewed tea. This easy-to-make loaf requires no yeast and is soaked overnight to develop rich flavors, perfect for enjoying year-round or during Irish holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and New Year’s Day.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Fruits and Liquids
- 1 cup cold, strong brewed tea (Tazo Wild Orange recommended)
- 3/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 tsp dried orange peel or zest of 1 large orange
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cups self rising flour (or substitute with 2 cups all-purpose flour mixed with 3 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt)
Other
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
Instructions
- Soak the Fruits: In a bowl, combine the cold brewed tea with the golden raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, and dried orange peel or zest. Cover the bowl tightly with cling film and refrigerate overnight to allow the dried fruits to absorb the tea and soften.
- Prepare the Loaf Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, then lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the tea-soaked fruit mixture with the egg, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and packed light brown sugar. Stir thoroughly until combined. Gradually add the self rising flour and continue mixing until all the flour is incorporated into a wet dough.
- Transfer to Pan and Bake: Pour or spoon the dough into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour. After 1 hour, check the bread’s color; if it is browning too quickly, tent the loaf loosely with aluminum foil.
- Continue Baking Until Done: Bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked. Typical total baking time is between 75 and 80 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and transfer it to a wire cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely in the pan or on the rack before slicing. Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- Traditional Irish Barmbrack does not require yeast, making it quick and easy to prepare compared to other fruit breads.
- Soaking the dried fruit overnight in brewed tea enhances the flavor and softens the fruit.
- Baking times may vary depending on your oven, the loaf pan size, and loaf shape; always check for doneness with a skewer.
- Barmbrack is delicious year-round but especially popular during Irish holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and New Year’s Day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 221 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 17 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
