Irish Barmbrack Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Barmbrack bread is not only delicious but versatile too. You can freeze it for later, making it a great option for meal prep. The bread is fragrant, with spices like cinnamon and cloves, and pairs perfectly with a slice of Irish butter or a cup of hot tea. Whether served at breakfast, tea time, or as part of a special holiday meal, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• Tea (English Breakfast or Earl Gray)
• Golden raisins
• Dried cherries
• Lemon zest
• Flour
• Dark brown sugar
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Kerrygold unsalted butter
• Whole milk
• 1 egg

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix hot tea, raisins, and cherries. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 20-30 minutes until the fruit softens. Drain the fruit and set it on a paper towel to absorb excess water.
2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
5. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, warm milk, and egg, and whisk together.
6. Pour the milk mixture into the well along with the dried fruit. Stir until a wet dough forms and the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
7. Transfer the dough into a greased loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 32-37 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
9. Serve warm with Irish butter.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 32-37 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

• You can substitute the dried cherries with other dried fruits like cranberries or currants.
• For a nutty twist, add some chopped walnuts or pecans.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, consider adding a tablespoon of honey to the dough.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
• To reheat, slice the bread and warm it in the oven at 300°F (149°C) for 10 minutes, or toast slices to your preference.

FAQs

1. Can I make Irish Barmbrack bread without tea?

Yes, you can replace the tea with warm water if you prefer.

2. What’s the best way to serve Barmbrack bread?

It’s traditionally served with tea or coffee and a pat of Irish butter. You can also add honey butter for a sweeter option.

3. Can I use other dried fruits?

Yes, dried cranberries or currants are great alternatives to raisins and cherries.

4. How do I prevent the bread from becoming too dry?

Make sure not to overbake the bread, and store it properly to keep it moist.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! You can double the ingredients to make two loaves. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.

6. Can I freeze Barmbrack bread?

Yes, Barmbrack freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

7. What is the best type of flour for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works best for this bread.

8. Is this recipe vegan?

This particular recipe contains dairy and eggs, but you can make it vegan by substituting the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.

9. How do I know when Barmbrack bread is done baking?

Insert a cake tester or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.

10. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

It’s best to stick to all-purpose flour and use baking soda for leavening, as self-rising flour may alter the texture of the bread.

Conclusion

Irish Barmbrack is a delightful bread that blends comforting spices with the natural sweetness of dried fruit. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or serving at gatherings, this recipe is a flavorful tradition that’s easy to prepare. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as leftovers, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!

Irish Barmbrack Bread Recipe

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8-10 slices
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Irish Barmbrack Bread recipe blends traditional Irish flavors with rich spices and dried fruits like golden raisins and cherries. The moist, cake-like texture and slightly crunchy crust make it an irresistible treat. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion, serve it with a warm cup of tea for an authentic Irish experience. Whether served fresh or toasted with Irish butter, this Barmbrack bread will be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup tea (English Breakfast or Earl Grey)
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 cup Kerrygold unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
• 1 large egg

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the hot tea, raisins, and cherries. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 20-30 minutes until the fruit softens. Drain the fruit and place on a paper towel to absorb excess liquid.
2. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, warm milk, and egg.
6. Pour the wet mixture into the well along with the drained fruit. Stir until a wet dough forms.
7. Transfer the dough into a greased loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 32-37 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted.
9. Let it cool slightly before serving.
10. Serve warm with Irish butter.

Notes

• This bread can be made in advance and stored for a few days. For longer storage, freeze it.
• You can replace dried cherries with other dried fruits like cranberries or currants, and add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra flavor and texture.
• For a sweeter bread, add a tablespoon of honey to the dough.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 32-37 minutes
• Category: Bread, Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish