Traditional Scottish Sweet Bread Recipe: Selkirk Bannock

This traditional Scottish recipe will guide you through the process of making a scrumptious Selkirk Bannock. A soft, sweet bread packed with dried fruits and a hint of spice that makes for a delightful treat. Perfect for afternoon tea or breakfast, this recipe will transport you to the Scottish countryside. Enjoy the warm and comforting aroma of freshly baked bread with this flavorful and easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients

• 450g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 100g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 50g caster sugar
• 50g light brown sugar
• 225g mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
• 125ml milk
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 50g candied peel, chopped
• 1 tbsp pearl sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking tray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
4. Stir in the caster sugar, light brown sugar, and dried fruits.
5. Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the milk and beaten egg.
6. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until all the ingredients are well combined and a sticky dough forms.
7. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth.
8. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the greased baking tray.
9. Using a knife, score a cross on the top of the loaf, about 2cm deep.
10. If desired, sprinkle pearl sugar on top of the loaf.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12. Once baked, remove the bannock from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Interesting Facts