Barm Brack("Barm" Is The Old Word For Yeast.)
Barm Brack is a traditional Irish fruit bread, rich with raisins, candied peel, and warm spices, perfect for teatime or festive gatherings, offering comforting sweetness and aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Ensure all utensils are warm before starting.
- Sift flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together, then rub in the butter.
- Cream yeast with 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon tepid milk until frothy.
- Add the rest of the sugar to the flour mixture and blend well.
- Pour tepid milk and beaten egg onto the yeast mixture and combine with the flour mixture.
- Beat well with a dough hook in a warmed bowl of an electric mixer until the batter is stiff but elastic.
- Fold in the raisins and chopped candied peel.
- Cover with a cloth and leave in a warm place until the dough doubles in size.
- Turn out the dough and divide into two portions.
- Grease two 7-inch cake tins and place one portion of dough in each.
- Cover and leave to rise for about 30 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 1 hour.
- Test doneness with a skewer; it should come out clean.
- Glaze the top with 1 tablespoon dissolved sugar in 2 tablespoons boiling water.
- Put the bread in a hot oven for about 3 minutes to set the glaze.
- Turn out to cool on a wire tray.
- When cooled, serve sliced with butter.
- The bread keeps well and can be toasted and buttered if it becomes stale.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the dough. If you prefer a slightly sweeter bread, increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. If you can't find mixed candied peel, you can substitute it with finely chopped dried fruit like apricots or figs. Always ensure the milk is tepid, as too hot will kill the yeast.
Serving Suggestions
Barm Brack is delicious served warm with butter, but it also pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful breakfast or snack, enjoy it with a spread of jam or honey. Additionally, it can be served alongside a cheese platter for a unique contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Barm Brack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, slice and toast the bread lightly for a warm, comforting treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barm Brack("Barm" Is The Old Word For Yeast.) contains roughly 838 calories, with 26g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), protein (53% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1358mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
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 different types of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend, but be aware that the texture and flavor may change slightly. If using whole wheat, consider adding a bit more liquid, as it absorbs more moisture than all-purpose flour.
Is it necessary to use candied peel in the recipe?
While candied peel adds a lovely citrus flavor to the Barm Brack, it is not strictly necessary. You can omit it or substitute it with additional raisins or any other dried fruit you enjoy, such as chopped dates or cranberries.
How can I tell when the Barm Brack is fully baked?
The best way to test for doneness is by inserting a skewer into the center of the bread; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked. Additionally, the bread will have a golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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).