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Bara brith

Baking recipes · British recipes

Bara brith

Bara brith is a much-loved loaf cake from Wales. Learn how to make this traditional Welsh bake with baker Anna Higham’s simple recipe. Welsh favourite: Bara brith is a tea-soaked fruit loaf. “Bara birth translates to ‘speckled bread’ in reference to the tea-soaked fruit that is speckled through the batter,” says Anna. Traditional method: “The batter contains no butter but is hydrated with the tea the fruit is soaked in. That means it needs to be served with a generous smear of butter on every slice.” Anna’s updates: “Traditionally the cake is full of currants and raisins only. I’ve added in prunes for extra richness and dried apricots for a balancing acidity and lightness. You can have a bit of fun with your choice of tea too; I’ve used lapsang souchong to bring a subtle smokiness.” In a baking mood? Browse more easy cake recipes.

ServesMakes 2 loaves (each loaf enough to serve 6)
Hands-on15 min
Oven1 hour 30 min
DifficultyEasy

Method

  1. Put all the dried fruit in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot tea over the top. Leave to soak for at least an hour but ideally overnight, covered, at room temperature.

  2. Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 and line the loaf tins with baking paper. Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Make a well in the centre and add the marmalade, eggs and soaked fruit (along with any remaining liquid). Mix well until fully combined.

  3. Split the batter evenly between the tins and smooth the tops. Bake for 1 hour. Push a skewer into the centre and check it; if it doesn’t come out clean, return the tins to the oven (the bake may take up to 1 hour 30 minutes).

  4. Remove the loaves from the oven. Brush the tops with the honey mixture, then leave to cool completely. Serve slices thickly spread with butter.

Nutrition

Per serving (Makes 2 loaves (each loaf enough to serve 6))
Calories306kcals
Fat1.5g (0.4g saturated)
Protein5.8g
Carbohydrates66g (38g sugars)
Fibre2.9g

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