Bara Brith

Bara Brith

Bara Brith (BAH-rah BREETH)

Speckled Bread

Prep Time 30 min + soaking
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
10
🔥 Calories 278 kcal

A richly fruited tea-soaked loaf studded with dried fruit, warm spices, and dark sugar, sliced thick and spread with Welsh butter.

Nutrition & Info

280 kcal per serving
Protein 4.0g
Carbs 52.0g
Fat 6.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

loaf tin mixing bowl tea pot

Presentation Guide

Vessel: wooden cutting board

Garnishes: butter curls

Accompaniments: Welsh butter, pot of tea

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak the mixed dried fruit in hot tea overnight or at least 6 hours until plump.

  2. 2

    Preheat oven to 160C (325F). Grease and line a 900g loaf tin.

  3. 3

    Mix flour, sugar, and spices. Add soaked fruit with any remaining tea and beaten egg. Stir until just combined.

  4. 4

    Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 1 hour 15 min until a skewer comes out clean.

  5. 5

    Cool in the tin for 10 min, then turn out onto a wire rack.

  6. 6

    Slice thick and serve spread with salted Welsh butter.

💡

Did You Know?

Bara brith means "speckled bread" in Welsh, referring to the dried fruit studded throughout the loaf.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • loaf tin
  • mixing bowl
  • tea pot

Garnishing

butter curls

Accompaniments

Welsh butter, pot of tea

The Story Behind Bara Brith

Bara brith is one of the most iconic Welsh baked goods, born from the tradition of tea-drinking that swept Wales in the 19th century. Soaking fruit in tea was a thrifty way to plump dried fruit without expensive spirits. Every Welsh family has their own recipe, passed down through generations, and it remains a fixture on farmhouse tea tables across the country.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed afternoon tea 📜 Origins: 19th century

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