Bara Birth Recipe

Introduction

Bara Brith is not just a delightful Welsh tea loaf, it’s a warm hug in dessert form that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones over a cozy afternoon tea! 🍵💖

Ingredients

300ml strong tea (make it fragrant and bold for the best flavor)

300g mixed dried fruit (the more colorful, the better!)

100g dark brown sugar (for that rich, caramel-like sweetness)

1 large egg (to bring it all together)

225g self-raising flour (a light and fluffy base)

1 teaspoon mixed spice (for a hint of warmth and depth)

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cooking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 2 hours

Yield: 1 loaf

Let’s dive into how to create this scrumptious treat!

Start by brewing a strong cup of tea, then let it cool down. Once it’s at room temperature, grab a large bowl and soak the mixed dried fruit in the tea. Cover it up and let it sit overnight or at least for 6 hours—this is where the magic happens! ✨

Preheat your oven to 160°C for fan or 140°C for gas mark 3. While that’s warming up, get your trusty 900g loaf tin ready by greasing it and lining it with baking paper. We want to make sure our lovely Bara Brith comes out easily! 🧁

Once the fruit has soaked up all that lovely tea, add the dark brown sugar to the bowl. Stir until it dissolves, filling your kitchen with a lovely aroma! Next, incorporate a beaten egg, sifting in the self-raising flour and mixed spice. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Remember, we don’t want to overmix; a little lumpy is totally fine! 😊

Pour the mixture into your prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Now, it’s time to pop it in the oven and let it work its magic! Bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You know it’s done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out nice and clean—if it’s browning too quickly, just drape a little foil over the top.

Once baked, let your Bara Brith cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, elegantly transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma wafting through your home will be absolutely irresistible! 🤤

Slice it up, serve it with a pat of butter or just enjoy it on its own for a delightful afternoon snack. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Happy baking, friends! 🍞💕

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Fruit

Start by brewing a strong cup of tea, then let it cool down. Once it’s at room temperature, grab a large bowl and soak the mixed dried fruit in the tea. Cover it up and let it sit overnight or at least for 6 hours—this is where the magic happens!

Step 2: Preheating the Oven

Preheat your oven to 160°C for fan or 140°C for gas mark 3. While that’s warming up, get your trusty 900g loaf tin ready by greasing it and lining it with baking paper. We want to make sure our lovely Bara Brith comes out easily!

Step 3: Mixing the Ingredients

Once the fruit has soaked up all that lovely tea, add the dark brown sugar to the bowl. Stir until it dissolves, filling your kitchen with a lovely aroma! Next, incorporate a beaten egg, sifting in the self-raising flour and mixed spice. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Remember, we don’t want to overmix; a little lumpy is totally fine!

Step 4: Baking the Loaf

Pour the mixture into your prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Now, it’s time to pop it in the oven and let it work its magic! Bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You know it’s done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out nice and clean—if it’s browning too quickly, just drape a little foil over the top.

Step 5: Cooling the Bara Brith

Once baked, let your Bara Brith cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, elegantly transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma wafting through your home will be absolutely irresistible!

Notes

Note 1: Flavorful Tea

For the best flavor, ensure the tea you brew is fragrant and bold.

Note 2: Fruit Selection

Using a colorful mix of dried fruit will enhance the visual appeal and flavor of your Bara Brith.

Note 3: Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the loaf fresh for longer.

Note 4: Serving Suggestions

Slice it up, serve it with a pat of butter or just enjoy it on its own for a delightful afternoon snack.

Cook Techniques

Brewing Strong Tea

To bring out the best flavor in your Bara Brith, use a strong, fragrant tea. The tea should be brewed with more tea leaves than usual to enhance the infusion. Let it cool before using.

Soaking Dried Fruit

Soaking mixed dried fruit in tea overnight or for at least 6 hours is essential. This process plumps the fruit and infuses it with moisture and flavor, making it sweet and tender in the final loaf.

Preparing the Loaf Tin

Grease and line your 900g loaf tin with baking paper to ensure easy removal after baking. This prevents sticking and keeps your Bara Brith intact.

Mixing Ingredients

When adding ingredients to the soaked fruit, dissolve the sugar first, then add the egg. Sift the self-raising flour and mixed spice for a light texture. Gently fold the mixture to avoid overmixing.

Baking Techniques

Bake at 160°C for fan or 140°C for gas mark 3 for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the loaf to ensure even cooking. If browning too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning.

Cooling the Loaf

Allow the Bara Brith to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This step is crucial for setting the loaf while preventing it from becoming soggy.

FAQ

Can I use different types of dried fruit?

Yes, feel free to mix and match dried fruits according to your preference. Just ensure they are colorful and flavorful for the best results.

How can I store leftover Bara Brith?

Store any leftover Bara Brith in an airtight container at room temperature. It should keep well for several days, or you can freeze it for longer storage.

Can I use regular flour instead of self-raising flour?

Yes, you can use regular flour, but you will need to add baking powder to achieve the same rise. Typically, use about 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every 225g of flour.

Is Bara Brith suitable for vegans?

To make a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg and choose plant-based sugar. Ensure all your ingredients are suitable for a vegan diet.

What can I serve with Bara Brith?

Bara Brith is delicious on its own or served with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It’s also wonderful accompanied by a nice cup of tea!

Conclusion

Bara Brith is truly more than just a delicious Welsh tea loaf; it’s a heartwarming dessert that brings people together. Ideal for sharing over afternoon tea, it encapsulates the flavors of tradition and comfort. A slice of this delightful loaf is not only a treat but also a way to create beautiful memories with loved ones. So, gather your friends and family, share this scrumptious dessert, and enjoy the cozy moments that follow!

Fruit and Nut Variation

Combine mixed dried fruits with chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for a delightful crunch and added depth of flavor.

Spiced Bara Brith

Enhance the warmth by adding additional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicier twist that is perfect for autumn.

Citrus Infusion

Incorporate some grated orange or lemon zest into the batter to brighten up the flavors with a refreshing citrus touch.

Chocolate Chip Addition

Fold in a handful of dark or white chocolate chips for a deliciously indulgent version of this classic loaf.

Serve with a Twist

Pair slices of Bara Brith with cream cheese or a tangy mascarpone spread for an elevated afternoon tea experience.

Tropical Flair

Experiment with dried tropical fruits like mango or pineapple to give your Bara Brith a fun, exotic flavor profile.