A Delicious Tea Brack Recipe
Today, we are delighted to present a tea brack recipe that brings a taste of Ireland right to your kitchen. This delightful loaf, brimming with richly soaked dried fruits and fragrant spices, is perfect for teatime or a cozy afternoon snack. Let the aroma of this traditional Irish treat fill your home and warm your heart.
History of Tea Brack
Tea brack, also known as Barmbrack or simply brack, is a traditional Irish fruitcake. The word “brack” comes from the Old English word “brac,” meaning “speckled,” referring to the cake’s appearance dotted with dried fruits. Traditionally served during Halloween, this cake often contained hidden trinkets as part of a fortune-telling game. Over time, tea brack has become a beloved treat enjoyed year-round with a good cup of tea.
Serving Suggestions
Tea brack is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Classic Style: Serve slices of tea brack with a generous spread of butter and a hot cup of tea.
- With Cheese: Pair it with a sharp cheddar or a creamy brie for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Toasted: Lightly toast slices and top with butter or jam for a warm, comforting snack.
Storing Instructions
To keep your tea brack fresh and flavorful:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
- Refrigeration: For extended freshness, keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freezing: Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
For a freshly baked taste, reheat your tea brack as follows:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Wrap the slices in aluminum foil and heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Toaster: Toast individual slices on a medium setting until warmed through.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this tea brack as much as we do! It’s a perfect treat to share with family and friends, evoking the charm and warmth of Irish traditions. Let us know how your tea brack turned out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones. For more delightful recipes, subscribe to our newsletter! See recipe below
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How to Make Tea Brack Recipe
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A Delicious Tea Brack Recipe
Description
Tea brack, a beloved Irish tradition, is a delightful fruit loaf made by soaking dried fruits in strong black tea and blending them with warm spices. This recipe creates a moist, flavorful bread that's perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea. Whether served plain, with a spread of butter, or alongside a slice of cheese, tea brack is a versatile and delicious treat that brings a touch of Irish charm to any table.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Fruit:
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Brew the tea and pour it over the mixed dried fruit in a large bowl.
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Stir in the dark brown sugar until dissolved.
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Cover and let the fruit soak overnight or for at least 6 hours.
Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
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Grease and line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin with parchment paper.
Mix the Batter:
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In a large bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
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Add the soaked fruit mixture (including any remaining tea) and the beaten egg. Mix well until fully combined.
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Stir in the orange zest.
Bake the Brack:
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Glaze:
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Allow the tea brack to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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If desired, brush the top with honey while still warm for a glossy finish.
Equipment
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Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 220kcal
- Calories from Fat 18kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2g4%
- Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
- Cholesterol 20mg7%
- Sodium 50mg3%
- Potassium 200mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 25g
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a more intense flavor, feel free to add a splash of whiskey to the soaking tea mixture. Also, you can substitute the mixed dried fruit with your favorite combination of dried fruits for a personalized touch. If you prefer a less sweet loaf, reduce the amount of sugar to 75g. This tea brack keeps well and its flavor improves after a day or two, making it an ideal make-ahead treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Ensure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results.
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet tea brack, you can reduce the dark brown sugar to 75g without significantly affecting the texture.
You can substitute dark brown sugar with light brown sugar or even granulated sugar. However, dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor that enhances the brack.
Soaking the fruit overnight ensures they are plump and infused with tea, resulting in a moist brack. If you're short on time, a minimum of six hours will work.
Yes, feel free to add nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra texture and flavor. Simply fold them into the batter with the soaked fruit.
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup instead of honey for glazing.
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Fiona O'Sullivan
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