Bara Brith
A traditional Welsh fruit bread, famously soaked in tea, resulting in a moist and flavourful loaf. Often called 'speckled bread' due to the visible fruit.
🧂 Ingredients
- 350 g Mixed dried fruit(A mix of raisins, sultanas, currants, and candied peel works well.)
- 300 ml Cold black tea(Brewed and cooled. Any strong black tea will suffice.)
- 350 g Self-raising flour(Ensure it's fresh for best results.)
- 150 g Light brown sugar(Packed into the measuring cup.)
- 1 Egg(Large, free-range if possible, lightly beaten.)
- 1 tsp Mixed spice(Optional, but adds a lovely warmth.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Combine the mixed dried fruit and cold tea in a bowl. Cover and leave to soak at room temperature overnight (or for at least 8 hours). This rehydrates the fruit, making it plump and juicy.
⏱️ Overnight - 2
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan / 350°F / Gas Mark 4). Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking parchment.
- 3
In a large mixing bowl, add the self-raising flour, light brown sugar, and mixed spice (if using).
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Add the soaked fruit (along with any remaining tea) and the lightly beaten egg to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick and hold its shape.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf tin and level the surface with the back of the spoon.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. The Bara Brith is ready when it is deep golden brown, firm to the touch, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
⏱️ 1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 30 minutes - 7
Remove the loaf from the tin and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the crumb to set properly.
⏱️ 2 hours - 8
Serve slices of Bara Brith generously buttered. It's delicious on its own or with a cup of tea.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This bread is often referred to as 'Welsh speckled bread' because of the visible pieces of fruit.
- ✓Soaking the fruit in tea is crucial; it plumps up the fruit and infuses it with moisture and flavour, making the bread incredibly moist.
- ✓Serve with good quality Welsh butter for an authentic taste experience.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of marmalade to the batter for a citrusy twist.
- Experiment with different types of tea, such as Earl Grey or fruit tea, for varied flavour profiles.
- For a richer loaf, you can add a teaspoon of mixed spice or cinnamon to the dry ingredients.