⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time) • 🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour

Barmbrack is a traditional Irish fruit loaf that’s often enjoyed with butter and tea. This slightly sweet bread is packed with raisins and dried fruits that have been soaked in strong tea, giving it an incredibly rich and moist texture. Traditionally made for Halloween (Samhain) in Ireland, small charms were baked inside to tell fortunes—but you can enjoy it any time of year!

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📸 *A golden-brown loaf of Barmbrack, sliced to reveal plump, tea-soaked fruits inside, served with a pat of butter and a hot cup of tea.*

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

This easy Irish tea loaf is a perfect cross between a fruitcake and a bread—moist, lightly spiced, and not too sweet. The soaked fruits add natural sweetness, making it great with or without butter.

Unlike traditional yeast breads, this version requires no kneading or proofing, so it’s a great beginner-friendly bake! Plus, it keeps well for several days and gets even better over time.

Pair a slice with a cup of black tea or coffee, and you’ve got the ultimate cozy treat.

Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 8 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: ~280

For the Tea-Soaked Fruit:

1 ½ cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)
1 cup strong brewed black tea (Irish breakfast tea works best)
¼ cup brown sugar

For the Barmbrack Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
¼ cup milk

Steps

Step 1

Soak the fruit: In a bowl, combine dried fruit, hot tea, and brown sugar. Let soak for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to plump up the fruit.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 3

Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 4

Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, honey (or maple syrup), and milk.

Step 5

Make the batter: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then fold in the soaked fruit (with any remaining tea liquid) until fully incorporated.

Step 6

Bake: Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7

Cool & serve: Let cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve with butter or jam!

Make it your own!

🍊 Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
🍯 Extra Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter loaf, add ¼ cup more sugar or drizzle honey on top.
🍶 Whiskey Twist: Replace ¼ cup of tea with Irish whiskey for a boozy touch!
🥜 Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for extra texture.