Description: Barmbrack is a traditional Irish fruitcake with a slightly sweet, dense, and moist texture. It’s often enjoyed sliced and spread with butter.

Preparation time: 20 minutes (plus soaking time)

Cooking time: 1 hour

Serving size: Approximately 12 slices

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, and sultanas)
• 1 cup strong hot black tea
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp mixed spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice)
• 1 hidden item like a ring or a coin (wrapped in parchment paper)
• Butter, for spreading

Instructions:

1. Place the mixed dried fruit in a bowl and pour the hot black tea over it. Allow it to soak for at least 2 hours or overnight.

2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 7-inch round cake tin.

3. Add the brown sugar and beaten egg to the soaked fruit and mix well.

4. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and mixed spice. Stir until the batter is well combined.

5. Fold in the parchment-wrapped hidden item.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, spreading it out evenly.

7. Bake for approximately 1 hour until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

8. Let the barmbrack cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Once cool, slice the barmbrack and serve it with butter.

Enjoy your traditional barmbrack, and don’t forget to watch for the hidden item, which is said to bring good luck to the person who finds it!