Bara Brith Fruit Bread(A Recipe From Wales)
Bara Brith is a traditional Welsh fruit bread, rich with dried fruit, spice, and marmalade, perfect for teatime or a comforting snack with butter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the dried fruit and sugar in a mixing bowl and soak overnight in warm strained tea.
- Sieve the self-rising flour and mixed spice, and warm the marmalade.
- Add the flour, warm marmalade, and beaten egg to the soaked fruit mixture.
- Mix well; pour the batter into a greased loaf tin.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 1/2 hours.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- Serve sliced and buttered.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the batter. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by adding 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and a pinch of salt to every cup of all-purpose flour. Feel free to substitute the mixed dried fruit with your favorite dried fruits like apricots or cherries for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Bara Brith warm with a generous spread of butter for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a special touch, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt. This bread also complements well with a slice of cheese, making it a versatile addition to your brunch table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Bara Brith in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply toast slices or warm them in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bara Brith Fruit Bread(A Recipe From Wales) contains roughly 816 calories, with 15g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
It's best to stick with dried fruit for this recipe, as fresh fruit can add too much moisture and affect the texture of the bread. However, if you want to experiment, reduce the liquid ingredients to compensate for the extra moisture from fresh fruit.
Is it necessary to soak the fruit overnight?
Soaking the dried fruit overnight in warm tea is important as it helps to rehydrate the fruit, enhancing its flavor and preventing it from becoming too hard during baking. If you're short on time, soaking for at least 2 hours can also work, though the results may vary.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Bara Brith by substituting self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a leavening agent. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, particularly the mixed dried fruit, are gluten-free as well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).