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Irish Tea Barmbrack

Barmbrack - Irish yeasted bread with added sultanas and raisins
Image Credit:
Fanfo/Shutterstock
Written By: Sarah Perreault Managing Editor
Yield
Makes 1 medium loaf
Special Considerations
Preparation Method
Credit
Tharra Wilson

Irish Barmbrack, a beloved tradition, is a moist and spiced fruit bread originating from Dublin, Ireland. Soaked in tea, it boasts a delightful blend of flavors from mixed dried fruit, brown sugar, and warm spices. Perfect for tea time or festive gatherings, it’s a cherished slice of Irish culinary heritage.

Ingredients
300ml cold tea
250g sultanas, raisins, and/or other fruit
200g brown sugar or white sugar with added treacle
250g wheat flour
½-1 baking powder (7.5 - 15 grams)
2 eggs beaten
1 tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground cinnamon
honey, for glazing (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the cold tea in a bowl. Add in the sultanas, cover and set aside to soak overnight.

2. Preheat the oven to 360°F/180°C. 

3. In a mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, baking powder, beaten egg, nutmeg and soaked fruit, with its soaking liquid until well-mixed.

4. Transfer the mixture to a well-oiled loaf tin.

5. Bake for 1 hour, 30 minutes until risen and set.

6. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes in its tin, then turn out and cool on a wire rack. Glaze with honey if required.

7. Serve in slices with butter and store in an airtight tin. Will keep fresh for 4 weeks in a tightly closed container.

About The Author

Sarah Perreault

Sarah Perreault

Managing Editor

Managing editor, Sarah Perreault, works on all things Almanac, but is especially proud to be the editor of our Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids series.

Read more from Sarah Perreault