Delicious American Barm-Brack Recipe

4 stars
4.19 (14)
Delicious American Barm-Brack Recipe
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
120 mins
Total Time:
140mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on June 25, 2024

This American Barm-Brack recipe is a delightful variation of the traditional Irish fruit bread. Made with a mix of dried fruits and spices, this moist and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast or tea time. Serve warm with a spread of butter for a truly delightful treat.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and candied peel)
  • 1 cup hot brewed black tea
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice)
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk

Directions

  1. In a bowl, soak the dried fruits in hot tea and brown sugar for at least 1 hour.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  3. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and mixed spice.
  4. Stir in the fruit mixture, melted butter, eggs, and milk until well combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the barm-brack cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Slice and serve with butter.

Interesting Facts

  • Barm-brack is also known as 'Bairín Breac' in Irish, which means 'speckled loaf' due to the dried fruits in the bread.
  • In Ireland, it is a tradition to bake a ring into the barm-brack, and whoever finds it in their slice is said to have good luck.