Imagine a warm, fragrant loaf that tells a story of Irish heritage with every slice - that's the enchanting Irish Brack Fruit Loaf! This isn't just another bread recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a magical treat that will transport your taste buds straight to the emerald landscapes of Ireland. Packed with plump dried fruits soaked in rich, strong tea and infused with warming spices, this traditional loaf is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 300g mixed dried fruit
- 250ml strong tea
- 200g brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the mixed dried fruit. If you have larger pieces of fruit, consider chopping them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure even distribution throughout the loaf.
- In a medium bowl, pour 250ml of strong brewed tea over the mixed dried fruit. Allow the fruit to soak in the tea for at least 30 minutes. This will help to plump the fruit and infuse it with flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line a loaf tin with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 200g of brown sugar and 1 egg. Beat the mixture together until it is well combined and slightly frothy.
- Once the dried fruit has soaked, add it along with the tea to the sugar and egg mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 300g of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and 1 tsp of mixed spice. This will help to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the baking powder and spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the loaf dense.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula if necessary. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed in the tin.
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the loaf towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the Irish Brack Fruit Loaf has cooled, slice it and serve. It can be enjoyed plain or with a spread of butter. This loaf also makes a delightful accompaniment to a cup of tea.
Tips
- Tea Matters: Use a strong black tea like Irish Breakfast or English Breakfast for maximum flavor infusion.
- Fruit Soaking is Key: Allow your dried fruits to soak for at least 30 minutes, but overnight soaking can make them even more deliciously tender.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold your ingredients to keep the loaf light and tender.
- Check for Doneness: A skewer inserted in the center should come out clean, but don't overbake.
- Storage Tip: Wrap the cooled loaf in parchment and store at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
- Serving Suggestion: Enjoy slightly warmed with a generous spread of butter for an authentic Irish experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
