Best 3 Barm Brack Recipes

Barmbrack, also known as brack or barm brack, is a traditional Irish fruit bread that is commonly enjoyed on Halloween. It is distinguished by its soft, slightly sweet dough that is studded with plump sultanas, juicy raisins, and aromatic spices. The bread is typically round in shape and has a distinctive cross etched on its top, which represents the Celtic symbol for the sun. This article presents a collection of tempting Barmbrack recipes that cater to different dietary preferences and skill levels. From a classic Barmbrack recipe that stays true to tradition to a gluten-free and vegan option, there's a Barmbrack here for everyone to enjoy. Discover the secrets of this beloved Irish bread and bring the warmth and flavors of Halloween into your kitchen.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

BARM BRACK (IRISH WHISKEY TEA LOAF)

Barm Brack (Irish Whiskey Tea Loaf) image

Traditional Irish tea bread served around Halloween once used to foretell marriage by baking a ring in the loaf and waiting for someone to get it. Whoever gets it is supposed to be the next to marry. I only make it once a year around Halloween and I have family members that ask for a second mini loaf to freeze for later in the year. Never gave the recipe out until now. I like it with coffee or tea in the morning very sweet and heavy.

Provided by ChanaHolt

Categories Breads

Time P1DT2h

Yield 3-5 Loafs

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 1/2 pints strong brewed tea (or half strong tea and half irish wiskey I prefer the half and half method)
1 lb golden raisin
1 lb black raisins
1 lb brown sugar
1 lb all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
3 eggs
6 tablespoons honey, melted (I use huckleberry honey for mine)

Steps:

First soak the raisins and sugar in the tea (or tea and whiskey) overnight.
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Add Flour, baking powder, and eggs to the tea mixture.
Spoon the dough into a greased loaf pans. You should be able to fill 3 loaf pans, 8x4 inches (20x10 cm). (I prefer to make them in ready to give away little loaf pans which makes about five per batch).
Place loaf pans in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 45minutes.
Leave Bram Brack to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack and glaze the top with the melted honey. ( If you go with the small give away kind let cool then leave in tin drizzle honey on the top and cover with a little room on top and then give them away when ready.).

BARM BRACK

Barm Brack image

Delicious Irish fruit cake. Serve thickly sliced with butter.

Provided by Ruth

Categories World Cuisine Recipes European UK and Ireland Irish

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1.8 cups brewed black tea, cold
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 ¼ cups golden raisins
¼ cup chopped candied citron
1 ¼ cups self-rising flour
1 egg, beaten

Steps:

Put the tea, sugar, raisins and peel into a bowl, cover and leave to soak overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8 inch round pan.
Sift the flour into the fruit mixture, add the egg and beat well.
Pour into the cake pan and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Leave in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220.1 calories, Carbohydrate 52.6 g, Cholesterol 18.6 mg, Fat 0.8 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 2.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 232.5 mg, Sugar 32.1 g

BARMBRACK OR BARM BRACK

Barmbrack or Barm Brack image

I own a cookbook published by Chatelaine in 1968, Heritage Collection of Home Tested Recipes (my Mom usually has possession of it but she let me borrow it) and I decided to try a couple of recipes from it. This sounded so good and it is! I made it with Christmas tea, which is black tea with orange, cherry and almond flavours.

Provided by Myrna B.

Categories Quick Breads

Time 1h50m

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 cup tea, hot and strong
1/2 cup dates, chopped
1/2 cup mixed peel, chopped
1 cup raisins, washed
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

Combine fruit and sugar in a large bowl. Pour tea over fruit mixture, cover, and let sit overnight.
Next morning, stir in egg, then flour,baking powder, soda, and salt sifted together.
Turn into greased loaf pan and bake for 1 1/2 hours at 300°F.
Turn onto wire rack to cool.
To serve, slice and butter.
NOTE: I did not include soaking time in the time to make.

Tips:

Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the barm brack will taste. Use high-quality butter, eggs, and flour, and make sure the fruit is ripe and juicy.
Proof the dough properly: Proofing the dough allows the yeast to grow and develop, which will give the barm brack a light and airy texture. Make sure to proof the dough in a warm place for the recommended amount of time.
Knead the dough well: Kneading the dough develops the gluten, which will give the barm brack a chewy texture. Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough can make it tough. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined, then stop.
Bake the barm brack in a preheated oven: This will help the barm brack to rise evenly and prevent it from sinking in the middle.
Let the barm brack cool completely before slicing: This will help to prevent the barm brack from crumbling.

Conclusion:

Barm brack is a delicious and traditional Irish bread that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can make a barm brack that is sure to impress your family and friends.