Brack (Irish Fruit Bread)
Brack is a traditional Irish fruit bread with rich dried fruit, sweet and moist, perfect for breakfast or tea time, enjoyed with butter or simply on its own.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the dried fruit and brown sugar in 1 cup of cold strong tea overnight.
- The next morning, add the self-rising flour and the well-beaten egg to the soaked mixture.
- Mix well until combined.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased, foil-lined loaf pan.
- Bake for 2 hours on the middle shelf at 300°F (150°C).
- Take out of the oven and leave in the pan until the next day.
- Slice and serve with butter.
- Wrap in foil for storage or freeze as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting half of the dried mixed fruit with chopped nuts or citrus peel. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the brown sugar slightly. Ensure that your tea is strong for the best infusion. You can also use a mix of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile, similar to how it's done in Swedish Raisin Bread.
Serving Suggestions
Brack is delicious served warm or at room temperature, especially with a generous spread of butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea, making it a perfect afternoon snack. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Pepparkakor Cookies during holiday gatherings, creating a cozy atmosphere with traditional flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Brack in foil to keep it moist and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze slices, ensuring they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, simply thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the toaster for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brack (Irish Fruit Bread) contains roughly 997 calories, with 20g protein, 208g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, as it contains too much moisture and will alter the texture of the bread. Dried fruit is essential for achieving the right consistency and sweetness in the Brack.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the Brack?
To adjust the sweetness, you can increase or decrease the amount of brown sugar as desired. Additionally, if you prefer a less sweet bread, consider using unsweetened dried fruit or reducing the sugar by a quarter cup.
What can I serve with Brack?
Brack is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with cream cheese or a fruit spread. It also pairs well with a side of tea or coffee. For a seasonal twist, consider serving it alongside a festive cheese platter.
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).