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.
Equipment
- 450g loaf tin or 8 individual loaf tins
- Baking parchment
- Sieve
- spatula
- wire rack
Ingrediënten
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
Instructies
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 g
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