Traditional Irish Fruit Tea Loaf
This delightful Traditional Irish Fruit Tea Loaf, commonly known as Barm Brack, is a sweet, dense loaf steeped in rich history. Traditionally made to celebrate the promise of good fortune in the New Year, this loaf brings together the warmth of spices and the deep sweetness of dried fruits. Soaked in strong cold tea, the golden raisins and currants provide a luscious, moist crumb, while the vibrant crystallized cherries and candied peel add a touch of festivity. Best enjoyed sliced and generously buttered, this loaf is perfect for afternoon tea or as a comforting dessert. Embrace the traditions of Ireland with every bite of this lovely, home-baked treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Golden Raisins
3/4 cup (Soaked in tea overnight)
Currants
3/4 cup (Soaked in tea overnight)
Crystallized Cherries
1/3 cup (Chopped if large)
Candied Peel
1/3 cup (Chopped)
Light Brown Sugar
1 cup (Packed)
Self-Rising Flour
2 cups (Sifted if needed)
Cold Strong Tea
1 cup (Brewing strong tea and cooling)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Mixed Spice
1 teaspoon (Blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove)
Instructions
1
In a bowl, soak the golden raisins and currants in cold, strong tea overnight to plump them up and infuse them with flavor.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 1 lb loaf pan by lining it with lightly greased parchment paper.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked raisins, currants, and the tea they were soaked in with light brown sugar, self-rising flour, crystallized cherries, candied peel, egg, and mixed spice.
4
Stir the mixture thoroughly until well blended and a batter forms, ensuring the dried fruits are evenly distributed.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for even baking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1.5 hours or until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
Once baked, allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
8
Store the cooled loaf in a covered tin to keep it fresh, and serve slices buttered for a delightful treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Irish Fruit Tea Loaf?
Traditional Irish Fruit Tea Loaf, also known as Barm Brack, is a sweet, dense loaf filled with tea-soaked dried fruits and warm spices.
How long should I soak the fruit for Barm Brack?
The golden raisins and currants should be soaked in cold, strong tea overnight to ensure they are plump and full of flavor.
What temperature should I bake the tea loaf at?
The loaf should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake this Irish fruit loaf?
The baking time is approximately 1.5 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 cups of self-rising flour.
What size loaf pan is required?
A 1 lb loaf pan lined with lightly greased parchment paper is the ideal size for this recipe.
Which dried fruits are included in this loaf?
The recipe calls for golden raisins, currants, crystallized cherries, and candied peel.
What is the best way to serve Irish Fruit Tea Loaf?
It is best enjoyed sliced and generously spread with butter.
Does this recipe contain eggs?
Yes, the recipe requires one beaten egg.
What kind of sugar is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of packed light brown sugar for a rich sweetness.
What is 'Mixed Spice'?
Mixed spice is a traditional blend of warm spices, typically including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
How should I store the finished tea loaf?
Once cooled, the loaf should be stored in a covered tin to maintain its freshness and moisture.
Do I need to grease the parchment paper?
Yes, the instructions recommend lining the pan with lightly greased parchment paper to prevent sticking.
How long should the loaf cool before removing it from the pan?
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
What kind of tea should I use for soaking the fruit?
You should use 1 cup of cold, strong brewed tea.
Is this loaf suitable for afternoon tea?
Yes, it is a perfect treat for afternoon tea or as a comforting dessert.
What gives the loaf its moist crumb?
The moist crumb comes from the dried fruits being soaked in strong tea before being added to the batter.
Can I add the soaking liquid to the batter?
Yes, you combine the soaked raisins and currants along with the tea they were soaked in into the mixing bowl.
What color should the finished loaf be?
The finished loaf should be a beautiful golden brown.
What is the historical significance of Barm Brack?
Traditionally, this loaf was made to celebrate the promise of good fortune in the New Year.
How much mixed spice is required?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of mixed spice.
How many golden raisins are needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of golden raisins.
How many currants are used?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of currants.
What quantity of crystallized cherries is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of crystallized cherries, chopped if they are large.
What quantity of candied peel is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of chopped candied peel.
Does the batter need much mixing?
You should stir the mixture thoroughly until well blended and a batter forms with evenly distributed fruits.
Is the fruit tea loaf dense or light?
The loaf is described as a sweet, dense loaf.
Should I smooth the top of the batter before baking?
Yes, smoothing the top helps ensure even baking.
Is this recipe considered easy to bake?
Yes, the simple 'soak and stir' method makes it an accessible traditional recipe for home bakers.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients in this Traditional Irish Fruit Tea Loaf recipe.