Bara Brith Mary Berry (Tea Loaf Recipe)

Calories: 243.4|Fat: 0.7|Carbohydrates: 57.8|Protein: 3.9 | 1 10

Recipe
Ingredients
Tips
Storage

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Perfect for breakfast with salted butter and afternoon tea, Bara Brith is a Welsh rich fruit loaf made with tea. Here's Bara Brith Mary Berry recipe!

Bara Brith is a traditional Welsh fruit tea loaf cherished for generations. Often confused with Irish tea Brack, Mary Berry’s moist Bara Brith recipe is perfect for afternoon tea or a cozy breakfast. This delightful loaf bursts with currants, sultanas, and the rich sweetness of light muscovado sugar. The secret to its lusciousness lies in soaking the dried fruits in strong hot tea, infusing the loaf with a unique depth of flavour.

Why you’ll love it

Tradition: Mary Berry’s Bara Brith recipe is a loving tribute to the timeless Welsh fruit tea loaf.
Fruity: Currants, sultanas, and muscovado sugar provides that fruity taste that makes each bite delightful.
Infused in Hot Tea: Soaking the dried fruits in hot black tea adds a depth and moistness to the loaf.

Tips

Allow the dried fruits to soak in the hot tea for at least a few hours or overnight for maximum flavour infusion.
Soak the dried fruits in a strong black tea.
Add a pinch of mixed spice or ground cinnamon to enhance the warming flavours of the Bara Brith.

Variations

Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the loaf.
Subs the fruits: Try using different types of dried fruits, like raisins or dried apricots.
Subs the self-raising flour: Use wholemeal flour for a heartier version.
Add booze: Add a splash of rum, brandy to the soaking liquid for an adult-friendly Bara Brith. I have also tested a Cassis liquer infused Bara Brith

How to serve Bara Brith tea bread?

Butter and Clotted Cream: Slice and serve this delightful Bara Brith with a generous spread of butter or clotted cream for breakfast. Build memories with your family with this simple yet effective recipe.
Enjoy it with a cup of earl grey tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a truly comforting experience.

Health Info

Calories: 243.4
Sugar: 37.6
Sodium: 290.5
Fat: 0.7
Carbohydrates: 57.8
Fiber: 2.3
Protein: 3.9

Bara Brith Recipe Mary Berry

Author Caroline Sciberras

Servings 12 slices

Calories 243.4

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Fat: 0.7|Carbohydrates: 57.8|Protein: 3.9

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Description

Perfect for breakfast with salted butter and afternoon tea, Bara Brith is a Welsh rich fruit loaf made with tea. Here's Bara Brith Mary Berry recipe!

Ingredients

175 g (6 oz) currants
175 g (6 oz) sultanas
225 g (8 oz) light muscovado sugar
300 ml (½ pint) strong hot tea
275 g (10 oz) self-raising flour
1 large egg beaten

Instructions

Measure the fruit and sugar into a bowl, then pour over the hot tea, cover, and leave it overnight.
Preheat the oven to 150°C (302°F) / Fan 130°C (266°F) / Gas 2.
Lightly grease a 900 g (2 lb) loaf tin, and line the base with baking parchment.
Stir the flour and egg into the fruit mixture, mixing thoroughly. Then, turn the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1½ hours or until the loaf is well-risen and firm to the touch.
To check if it's done, insert a skewer into the centre, and it should come out clean.
Let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn it out, peel off the parchment, and allow it to finish cooling on a wire rack.
Serve the Bara Brith sliced and buttered for a delicious treat.

Allow the dried fruits to soak in the hot tea for at least a few hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Use a strong, black tea for the best results in soaking the dried fruits.
Add a pinch of mixed spice or ground cinnamon to enhance the warming flavors of the Bara Brith.