Bara Brith Bread

Discover the charm of traditional Welsh baking with this easy-to-make Bara Brith Bread, a moist and fruity tea loaf steeped in history and flavor. Packed with plump mixed dried fruits soaked overnight in robust black tea, this classic recipe delivers a rich, aromatic slice with hints of warm mixed spice. The simple batter combines self-raising flour, light brown sugar, and a single egg for a tender, cake-like texture that’s baked to perfection. Serve it sliced and slathered with butter for a comforting teatime treat or enjoy it on its own as a naturally sweet snack. Whether you’re embracing Welsh heritage or just indulging in something deliciously different, this loaf is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 300 ml Strong black tea, brewed and cooled
• 300 g Mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, sultanas, and currants)
• 100 g Light brown sugar
• 225 g Self-raising flour
• 2 tsp Mixed spice
• 1 large Egg
• 0 Butter for greasing (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Place the mixed dried fruits in a large mixing bowl and pour the brewed black tea over the fruits. Stir to combine, cover the bowl, and allow the fruits to soak overnight or for at least 6 hours to plump up.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C fan) or 340°F. Grease and line a 2lb (900g) loaf tin with parchment paper.

Step 3

In the bowl with the soaked fruits (including the remaining tea), add the light brown sugar and mix well until dissolved.

Step 4

Sift the self-raising flour and mixed spice into the bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5

Beat the egg in a small bowl, then stir it into the mixture until everything is fully incorporated. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 6

Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Lightly tap the tin on the counter to remove air bubbles.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 70-75 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Step 8

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

Once cooled, slice and serve with butter or on its own. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	992.9 grams (992.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2318

Total Fat 16.20g	21%
Saturated Fat 5.30g	27%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.00g
Cholesterol 230mg	77%
Sodium 2004mg	87%
Total Carbohydrate 499.40g	182%
Dietary Fiber 21.60g	77%
Total Sugars 296.00g
Protein 37.70g	75%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 281mg	22%
Iron 9mg	48%
Potassium 2808mg	60%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 6.4%

Protein: 6.6%

Carbs: 87.1%