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4.68 from 127 votes
Sliced, traditional Irish Barmbrack.
Traditional Irish Barmbrack
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 30 mins
 

Not as rich as a Christmas cake, and more like a bread, with a scattering of dried fruit and spice when available, it was generally spread with butter to be eaten. Not as rich as a Christmas cake, and more like a bread, with a scattering of dried fruit and spice when available, it was generally spread with butter to be eaten.

Course: afternoon tea, cake, tea, teatime
Cuisine: Irish
Servings: 12 people
Author: Patricia Stafford
Ingredients
  • 1 3/4 cups (8.75oz/248g) raisins
  • 1 3/4 cups (8.75oz/248g) sultanas
  • 1 Zest of lemon, large
  • 1 Zest of orange, large
  • 1 1/3 cups (8oz/227g) dark brown sugar
  • 2 cups (16floz/500ml) black breakfast tea, hot and strong
  • 3 cups (15oz/426g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon mixed spice or pumpkin pie spice (see notes)
  • 2 eggs , beaten
Instructions
The Day Before
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the raisins, sultanas, zests, and sugar.

  2. Pour the hot tea over and stir to combine. Cover with cling wrap and allow to stand overnight at room temperature.

The Next Day
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 325°F (170°C) then butter and line 1 deep 9 Inch Cake Pan. Set aside.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and spice.

  3. Stir in the fruit mixture followed by the eggs, alternating between the two. Mix until no dry streaks remain and the batter is well incorporated.
  4. At this point add in your charm wrapped in parchment paper. (see note in post above). Pour the batter into prepared pan.

  5. Bake for about 80-90 minutes, or until the cake is golden and springs back when pressed. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes, then turn it out onto the rack to cool completely.

  6. Slice and serve with butter. Store the Barm Brack at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also can be frozen for atleast 4 weeks. It is delicious toasted with butter and a cup of tea.

Watch the Recipe Video!

Recipe Notes

Mixed Spice Substitute: Mix together 1/4 teaspoon of each ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves and Ginger.