Irish Fruit Loaf
A rich Irish fruit loaf featuring currants, raisins, and warm spices, perfect for teatime or as a hearty dessert with butter or jam.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Steep currants, raisins, and sugar in a cup of warm tea overnight.
- Next day, stir in the egg, marmalade, allspice, and flour.
- Pour the mixture into a greased or lined baking tin.
- Top with a few knobs of butter and a sprinkle of sugar.
- Bake for 1 3/4 hours at 350°F (175°C).
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using a dark sugar like muscovado instead of regular sugar. You can also swap out the allspice for mixed spice or even cinnamon if preferred. If you want a richer loaf, try adding a splash of whiskey to the tea mixture. Make sure to grease the baking tin well to avoid sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Irish Fruit Loaf is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or a generous spread of marmalade. It pairs beautifully with a cup of strong tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside Linzer Tarts for dessert, or enjoy it with a side of Spicy Dip For Vegetables for a unique twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Irish Fruit Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two weeks. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster or oven for a few minutes to restore its delightful texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Irish Fruit Loaf contains roughly 843 calories, with 14g protein, 208g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (198% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value), and calcium (74% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 28g 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 fruits instead of dried ones?
It's not recommended to use fresh fruits in this recipe as they contain more moisture, which can alter the texture and baking time of the loaf. Stick with dried fruits like currants and raisins for the best results.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Irish Fruit Loaf gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free as well, especially the baking powder if you choose to add any.
Can I add nuts or seeds to the loaf?
Yes, you can add nuts such as chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Just be sure to adjust the quantity of dried fruits slightly to maintain the balance of flavors and moisture in the loaf.
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).