Halloween Special: Barmbrack
- Daniel
- Oct 29, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: May 22
Barmbrack is the center of an Irish Halloween custom. The Halloween Brack traditionally contained various objects baked into the bread and was used as a sort of fortune-telling game, where an item, usually a silver ring, is placed inside the bread, with the person who receives it considered to be fortunate. You can read more about it on Wiki.
This tea loaf really reminds me of the Xmas cake; it has the same dense and fruity citrusy intense flavors. Anyway, to make life easier, I am using high quality dried fruit mix. Be sure they are high quality; makes all the difference. If you wanna go to another route, you can purchase dried raisins, apricots, cranberries, lemon, or orange peels separately and combine them.
In case you are wondering, I am using dried fruits mix from Foodsterr.
The hardest part after baking is to wait for the tea loaf to be cooled and stored. It does taste better after 24 hrs. I kept it loosely wrapped and outta sight, so I wouldn't be tempted to slice and eat, cos I know once I start, I won't stop. These are usually served well with some butter spread and a cup of tea on the side. Without much further ado, let's get started with the recipe. Here I wish all you lovely people a very Happy Halloween!
Ingredients:
Inspired By Donal Skehan
(Make 1 loaf)
Earl Grey, 2 Tea Bags
Irish Whiskey, 50g
High Quality Dried Fruit Mix, 375g
Unsalted Butter, For Greasing + Serving
Unbleached All Purpose Flour, 200g
Wholemeal Flour, 25g
Baking Powder, 2 TSP
Light Muscovado Sugar, 60g
Demerara Sugar, 60g
Chinese 5 Spice Powder, 1/2 TSP
Sea Salt, Pinch
Egg, 1
Equipment:
Loaf Pan
Oven
Directions:
Pls visit my "How To Make Chinese 5 Spice" page for the recipe.
Soak the Fruits
Brew 250g of simmering water with earl grey tea in a saucepan.
Cover and steep until slightly cooled.
Remove tea bags without squeezing.
Stir in whiskey until combined.
In a large bowl, add dried fruit mix and pour in the tea-whiskey blend.
Stir to coat and submerge all fruit.
Cover and let sit at room temperature for at least 24 hours.
Prep the Loaf Pan
The next day, preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
Grease a loaf pan and line with parchment, leaving overhang on the sides for easy unmolding.
Set aside.
Mix the Batter
Strain the soaked fruit over a bowl and reserve the liquid.
In another large bowl, combine flour, wholemeal, baking powder, sugar, 5 spice, and salt.
Make a well in the center.
Add the egg and strained fruit.
Fold gently to mix.
Gradually fold in the reserved soaking liquid until a sticky, wet (but not runny) dough forms.
Transfer batter into prepared loaf pan.
Smooth the top and run a knife through the center for even rise.
Bake the Barmbrack
Bake for 1 hour, or until the top is deep brown and a skewer comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan.
Loosely cover with foil and let rest overnight for best flavor.
To Serve
The next day, unmold and slice.
Serve warm or toasted with butter.
Enjoy with a cup of tea.
Look at that glossy shine...
Cheers!
Tastes even better with a heaping spread of butter...
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