Irish Barmbrack

4.6
(30)
27 Reviews
3 Photos

Barmbrack or brack is a traditional Irish fruitcake or fruit loaf. It was traditionally served at Halloween but is now eaten all year round. It's delicious as-is or spread with a little butter. It is tradition to add objects to the barmbrack which symbolize certain things for the person who receives it in their slice: a coin — wealth or good fortune; a ring — will marry within the year!

Submitted by Brooke Elizabeth
Updated on September 4, 2024
3
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr
Additional Time:
4 hrs
Total Time:
5 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
1 (9-inch) cake
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 2 ½ cups chopped dried mixed fruit

  • 1 ½ cups hot black tea

  • 2 ½ cups flour

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 ½ cups sugar

  • ¼ cup lemon marmalade

  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Directions

  1. Soak dried fruit in hot tea for at least 2 hours to overnight.

  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease a round 9-inch cake pan or 9x5-inch loaf pan. Stir flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda together; set aside.

  3. Lightly beat egg in a large bowl; mix in sugar, marmalade, orange zest, and tea-soaked fruit until well combined. Gently fold in the flour mixture until just combined, then pour into the prepared pan.

  4. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour. Cool in the pan for 2 hours before removing to a wire rack to cool to room temperature. Press the objects of choice into the cake through the bottom before serving.

Cook’s Note

Thoroughly clean the objects you wish to add and wrap them tightly in parchment paper before inserting them into the barmbrack.

This cake tastes better with time. Store the cake in an airtight container; let sit for 1 to 2 days.


49 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

294 Calories
1g Fat
70g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 294
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 16mg 5%
Sodium 69mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 70g 26%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 29g
Protein 4g 8%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 24mg 2%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 306mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.