Traditional Irish Barmbrack

mixed dried fruit

🥗Healthier: fresh fruit

💰Cheaper: raisins

Fresh fruit can provide a lighter texture, while raisins are more economical.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil offers a dairy-free option, while margarine can be less expensive.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey can add natural sweetness with unique flavors, while brown sugar is often cheaper.

flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour increases fiber content, while all-purpose is usually less costly.

Pour the mixed fruit into a saucepan.

Add light brown sugar (or white sugar) and pour in the cider.

Mix everything and heat gently on the stove until the sugar dissolves.

Once cooled, pour the fruit mixture into a bowl.

Add melted butter to the cooled fruit mixture.

Beat two eggs and pour them into the mixture.

Grate in the zest of an orange and mix until well combined.

Add plain flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, mixed spice, and cinnamon to the mixture.

Fold the dry ingredients into the fruit mixture, ensuring no lumps of flour remain.

Optionally, add a wrapped ring to the mixture for tradition.

Transfer the mixture into a lined two-pound loaf tin and level the top with a spoon.

Bake in a preheated oven for about one hour.

Prepare a cider glaze by mixing one tablespoon of cider with two tablespoons of sugar and heating until the sugar melts.

Brush the glaze over the baked Barmbrack and return it to the oven for three minutes to dry the glaze.

Allow the Barmbrack to cool before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice the Barmbrack once cool and serve with butter.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens