Traditional Irish Barmbrack Recipe

Traditional Irish Barmbrack Recipe

Barmbrack, a traditional Irish fruit loaf, is perfect for toasting and enjoying with butter and jam. This “speckled bread” is rich with tea-soaked sultanas, raisins, and candied peel, giving it a wonderfully moist texture and a delightful sweetness. Often associated with Halloween, Barmbrack is a comforting treat that keeps well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Portions:8
Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
(including soaking time) 1 day
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Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • 450g loaf tin or 8 individual loaf tins
  • Baking parchment
  • Sieve
  • spatula
  • wire rack

Ingredients

For the Barmbrack:

  • 220 g light soft brown sugar
  • 200 g sultanas
  • 75 g golden raisins
  • 50 g mixed candied peel chopped
  • 300 ml hot black tea
  • 160 g self-raising flour
  • 2 medium eggs
  • Grated zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Soak the Fruit:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the light soft brown sugar, sultanas, golden raisins, and chopped mixed candied peel.
  • Pour the hot black tea over the mixture, cover the bowl, and leave it to soak overnight.
  • This allows the fruit to absorb the tea and plump up.

Prepare the Loaf:

  • Preheat the oven to 170°C/Gas Mark 3.
  • Thoroughly grease a 450g loaf tin or 8 individual loaf tins.
  • If using a large tin, line the base and long sides with baking parchment.
  • In a separate bowl, sift the self-raising flour.
  • Add the soaked fruit mixture (including any remaining liquid) to the flour.
  • Mix in the eggs and grated lemon zest until you have a smooth batter.

Bake the Loaf:

  • Transfer the mixture into the prepared tin(s).
  • Bake for 60–70 minutes for a large loaf, or 30–35 minutes for individual loaves.
  • The Barmbrack should be well risen, firm to the touch, and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
  • Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 20 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

  • Slice the Barmbrack and serve buttered, or toast it and serve warm with butter and jam.
  • Plum jam is a particularly good pairing.

Serving Suggestion:

  • Enjoy this traditional Irish Barmbrack with a cup of hot tea, butter, and your favorite jam.
  • It’s perfect for an afternoon snack or a cozy breakfast.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Pair with a light, fruity white wine like Riesling or a cup of Irish breakfast tea.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 260 kcal | Carbohydrates: 50 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 35 g | Salt: 0.3 mg
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Course Bread / Dessert / Snacks
Cuisine Ireland
Holliday Halloween
Diets Vegetarian