Description: Irish Tea Brack, also known simply as “brack,” is a traditional Irish sweet bread infused with the rich flavors of tea and dried fruit. It’s moist, dense, and perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus soaking time for fruit)
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Serving Size: Makes 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)
Ingredients:
- 250g mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, sultanas, currants)
- 300ml hot brewed tea (strong black tea works well)
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice (optional)
- 100g brown sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the mixed dried fruit in a bowl and pour the hot brewed tea over it. Allow the fruit to soak for at least 4 hours or overnight, until plump and rehydrated.
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a loaf tin with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, cinnamon, and mixed spice (if using). Stir in the brown sugar and orange zest, if using.
- Gradually add the beaten egg to the dry ingredients, mixing well to combine.
- Fold in the soaked dried fruit along with any remaining tea from the soaking process, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the tea brack is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the tea brack to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the tea brack into thick slices and serve with butter or enjoy on its own with a cup of tea.
Note: You can customize this recipe by adding chopped nuts, candied peel, or a splash of whiskey for extra flavor.
