Teresa's Recipes
Barmbrack
Barmbrack is a traditional Irish fruitcake that embodies the spirit of Halloween with a rich tapestry of flavors and textures. This sweet, yeasted bread is studded with a delightful medley of dried fruits soaked in hot black tea, resulting in a moist and aromatic loaf. The tradition of including charms within the bread adds an element of surprise and fortune, making every slice a fun experience. Perfectly paired with a warm cup of tea, Barmbrack is not just a treat but a celebration of Irish heritage.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried mixed fruit
- 1 cup Hot black tea
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons, active dry Yeast
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1/4 cup, melted Butter
- 1, beaten Egg
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 10
- Dish Type: Dessert/Bread
- Prep Time: 2 hours (includes soaking time)
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 49g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Sugar: 15g
Instructions
- Soak the dried mixed fruit in hot black tea for 1-2 hours, or until the fruit is plump and the tea has cooled.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, melt the butter and beat the egg. Add both the melted butter and beaten egg to the flour mixture and mix until combined.
- Drain the soaked fruit, reserving the tea. Add the plumped fruit to the dough and stir to incorporate.
- Gradually add the reserved tea a little at a time, mixing until the dough is soft but not sticky.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake the barmbrack for 45-60 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the barmbrack to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy it plain or with a spread of butter.
Tips
- For a twist, add orange zest or lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
- You can also include different dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for added variety.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.