Bara Brith - Fruit Cake
A moist, flavorful fruit cake infused with tea, spices, and orange marmalade, perfect for teatime or festive occasions, appealing to fruitcake lovers and traditional dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place fruit and nuts in a large bowl.
- Pour tea over fruit. Add brown sugar and mix well.
- Cover fruit mixture and let stand overnight at room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or grease.
- Add remaining ingredients (flour through cinnamon) to soaked fruit.
- Stir until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, and raisins. If you're out of self-rising flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder. To enhance the spice, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. Letting the fruit soak overnight is crucial for maximum flavor absorption.
Serving Suggestions
Bara Brith is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with Welsh Cakes for a delightful tea time. Serve it with a spread of butter or cream cheese for added richness. A cup of strong brewed tea or coffee complements this sweet treat perfectly, making it an ideal snack or dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a month. To reheat, slice the cake and warm it in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bara Brith - Fruit Cake contains roughly 900 calories, with 10g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (27% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium.
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?
Using fresh fruit is not recommended for this recipe, as it contains too much moisture and can affect the cake's texture. Stick with dried fruit for the best results and to maintain the traditional flavor profile of Bara Brith.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it comes out wet, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overbaking.
Can I freeze Bara Brith?
Yes, you can freeze Bara Brith! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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).