Barmbrack Recipe

Barmbrack, also known as Irish tea bread or bairín breac, is a traditional sweet bread often enjoyed in Ireland, especially around Halloween. Its name comes from the Irish words "bairín" meaning loaf and "breac" meaning speckled, referring to the speckled appearance given by the dried fruit throughout the bread. Historically, small items such as a ring, coin, or other charm were baked into the loaf, each with various folklores and traditions associated with them. The person who found the ring would supposedly be married within the year!

Ingredients

• Raisins - 1 cup
• Currants - 1 cup
• Tea - 2 cups, strong and hot
• Sugar - 1 cup
• All-purpose flour - 3 cups
• Baking powder - 2 teaspoons
• Mixed spice - 1 teaspoon
• Egg - 1 large, beaten
• Butter - For greasing

Preparation

Start by soaking the raisins and currants in the tea overnight or for at least six hours. This plumps up the fruit and infuses it with flavor. Drain and set aside the raisins and currants after soaking when ready to prepare the bread.

Making the Dough

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and mixed spice. Add the sugar and mix well. Make a well in the center and pour in the drained fruit mixture. Add the beaten egg and stir until well combined. The batter should be wet yet hold together.

Baking

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place in the preheated oven and bake for around 60 to 70 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil. For precise timing, consider using a cooking timer.

Enjoying Your Barmbrack

Once baked, allow the Barmbrack to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve Barmbrack sliced with a generous spread of butter. Traditionally, it is accompanied by a hot cup of tea, making it a perfect treat for tea time. Store leftover bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness.