Bara brith, Welsh for speckled bread, is a classic tea loaf made by soaking dried fruit in strong hot tea overnight, then baking it into a dense, moist, lightly spiced loaf. It is simple, needs no yeast and is best sliced and spread with salted butter. This recipe makes two 450g loaves, one to eat now and one to share or freeze.
Ingredients
- 450g mixed dried fruit (sultanas, raisins and currants)
- 300ml hot strong black tea
- 225g soft light brown sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp orange or lemon marmalade
- 450g self-raising flour
- 2 tsp mixed spice
- Butter, for greasing and serving
Method
- Put the dried fruit and sugar in a large bowl, pour over the hot tea, stir and cover. Leave to soak overnight, or for at least 6 hours, until the fruit is plump.
- Heat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan) / gas 3. Grease and line two 450g (1lb) loaf tins.
- Stir the egg and marmalade into the soaked fruit mixture.
- Sift in the flour and mixed spice and fold gently until just combined and no flour streaks remain.
- Divide between the tins and level the tops.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until risen and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil if the tops brown too quickly.
- Cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
What to serve with bara brith
Thick slices spread with salted Welsh butter, with a strong cup of tea. A slice of Caerphilly or mature cheddar on the side is a traditional pairing.
Tips
- The overnight soak is the secret to a moist loaf, so do not skip it.
- Use a strong tea such as Assam or a good English breakfast. Leaf tea gives the best flavour.
- Bara brith keeps well and tastes even better after a day or two wrapped in baking parchment.
- Add a handful of chopped glace cherries or mixed peel for extra flavour.
FAQs
What is bara brith?
A traditional Welsh fruit tea loaf. The name means speckled bread, from the dried fruit dotted through the loaf.
Can I freeze bara brith?
Yes. Wrap the cooled loaf well and freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight at room temperature.
Is bara brith vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you check the label on your marmalade and dried fruit. It contains egg, so it is not vegan, but you can swap the egg for a tablespoon of extra tea.
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