Bara Brith Cake Recipe

Welsh cuisine has a rich history, and one of its most iconic and traditional recipes is the bara brith cake. Bara brith translates to “speckled bread” in Welsh, and this fruit loaf is a beloved treat in Wales, especially during tea time.

What You Need To Make Bara Brith Cake Recipe

bara brith cake
  • mixed dried fruit
  • cold tea
  • butter
  • tablespoons marmalade
  • egg
  • sugar
  • mixed spice
  • Honey
  • flour
bara brith cake

Bara Brith Cake Recipe

Bara Brith, the Welsh for speckled bread, a famous delicious fruity tea bread from Wales. Classically, the bread is served on a Welsh afternoon tea and is always on St David's Day on March 1st; but needs no excuses for a slice or two.The cake is easy to make but does need to soak in the tea overnight, so be sure to plan accordingly and is best made two days ahead of time if you have the time as this allows the flavors to absorb and develop. If you don't have the time, it is also rather good straight from the oven.
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This recipe comes from Gilli Davies' renowned book of Welsh food, "Flavours of Wales," which was nominated for a Gourmand World Book Award.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 14 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 23 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 533 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound mixed dried fruit
  • 1/3 cups cold tea
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoon marmalade
  • 1 pic large free-range egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar, soft
  • 1 tablespoon mixed spice
  • 1 pound self-rising flour
  • Honey, to glaze

Instructions
 

  • Take a sizeable mixing bowl and pour the chilled tea over the fruit, allowing it to soak for a minimum of six hours. For optimal results, leave it overnight.
  • The following day, preheat your oven to 325 F/170 C/Gas 3 and apply a coat of butter to a 2-pound (900-gram) loaf tin, setting it aside for later. In the bowl containing the soaked fruit, combine the marmalade, egg, brown sugar, spices, and flour, and stir thoroughly.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf tin and bake for 1 1/4 hours or until the center is completely cooked. To ensure that the top doesn't burn, keep an eye on it and cover it with foil if necessary.
  • After removing it from the oven, allow the Bara Brith to sit for five minutes before turning it out of the tin and placing it on a cooling rack. Use honey to glaze the top, then let it cool completely on the rack.

Notes

  • Nutrition Information:
  • Total Fat 4g
  • Saturated Fat 2g
  • Cholesterol 36mg
  • Sodium 947mg
  • Total Carbohydrate 118g
  • Dietary Fiber 8g
  • Total Sugars 51g
  • Protein 10g
  • Vitamin C 4mg
  • Calcium 293mg
  • Iron 6mg
  • Potassium 717mg
Keyword Bara Brith Cake

Pro Tips for Making Bara Brith Cake

Bara Brith is a traditional Welsh cake that has been enjoyed for centuries. The name “bara brith” means “speckled bread” in Welsh, which is fitting because the cake is studded with dried fruits and has a beautiful speckled appearance. The cake is typically made with a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and tea, making it a comforting and flavorful treat. If you’re looking to make the perfect bara brith cake, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with some pro tips and tricks to help you make the best bara brith cake possible.

  • Soak the Dried Fruits
  • Use Dark Brown Sugar
  • Spice it Up
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter
  • Bake Slowly

Conclusion

In conclusion, bara brith is a delicious and beloved Welsh treat that’s perfect for tea time or any time you’re craving a sweet snack. With its rich history and simple preparation, this fruit loaf is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and see why bara brith has stood the test of time as a Welsh culinary classic.

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I'm Jennifer Tirrell, a self-taught baker, and founder of CakeRe. As an experienced baker and recipe publisher, I have spent over a decade working in the kitchen and have tried and tested countless baking tools and products. From classic cakes to creative twists, I've got you covered. So grab your apron and let's get baking!

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