Barmbrack

Barmbrack

Bairín Breac (BAR-um-brack)

Speckled Bread

Prep Time 30 min + soaking
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
10
🔥 Calories 275 kcal

A warmly spiced Irish fruit bread studded with tea-soaked raisins and sultanas, sliced thick and spread with salted butter.

Nutrition & Info

280 kcal per serving
Protein 5.0g
Carbs 48.0g
Fat 7.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ dairy ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

loaf tin mixing bowl saucepan

Presentation Guide

Vessel: wooden cutting board

Garnishes: butter curls, dusting of cinnamon

Accompaniments: pot of tea, butter

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak dried fruit in hot tea overnight or at least 4 hours until plump.

  2. 2

    Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a 900g loaf tin.

  3. 3

    Mix flour, sugar, and mixed spice. Stir in soaked fruit with all the tea liquid, beaten egg, and orange zest.

  4. 4

    Pour into prepared tin and bake 50-60 min until a skewer comes out clean.

  5. 5

    Warm marmalade and brush over the hot loaf for a sticky glaze.

  6. 6

    Cool in tin 10 min, turn out, and serve sliced with butter.

💡

Did You Know?

On Halloween, objects are hidden in barmbrack: a ring means marriage, a coin means wealth, a rag means poverty, and a pea means you will not marry that year.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • loaf tin
  • mixing bowl
  • saucepan

Garnishing

butter curls, dusting of cinnamon

Accompaniments

pot of tea, butter

The Story Behind Barmbrack

Barmbrack dates to medieval Ireland, and the name comes from the Irish "bairín breac" meaning speckled loaf. It is inextricably linked to the ancient festival of Samhain (Halloween), when it served as both food and fortune-telling device.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed halloween and afternoon tea 📜 Origins: Medieval Ireland

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