barmbrack (irish fruitcake)
This is one of Ireland's most popular bakery products. It's a Halloween tradition and also eaten at tea time or on St. Patrick's Day. It bears a striking resemblance to our own fruitcake. Recipe & photo: theday.com
prep time
2 Hr 30 Min
cook time
30 Min
method
Bake
yield
Makes 2 loaves
Ingredients
- 1 stick active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
- 4 tablespoons plus 1 tsp. sugar for yeast
- 3 1/3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick)
- 1 1/2 cups raisins
- 1/2 cup mixed candied peel
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 - eggs, beaten
How To Make barmbrack (irish fruitcake)
-
Step 1Place the yeast in a bowl of lukewarm water, add the tsp. of sugar, stir and leave to one side.
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Step 2In a large bowl, combine flour, butter and salt with a pastry blender until it forms sand-like crumbs. Do not allow the butter to become too warm.
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Step 3Add the peel, raisins and the remaining sugar and stir to combine.
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Step 4Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, add the beaten eggs and the yeast mixture. Work the mixture together to form a soft dough.
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Step 5Knead the dough on a floured work top for 10 minutes until smooth and pliable. Place the dough back into the bowl. Cover with a clean tea cloth and leave in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size (about 1 hour).
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Step 6Return the dough to the worktop, divide in 2, knead each half for another few minutes and then form into a round approximately 7". Place on a greased baking sheet and leave to rise for another hour.
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Step 7Bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for 30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
Discover More
Category:
Sweet Breads
Tag:
#For Kids
Tag:
#Healthy
Diet:
Vegetarian
Method:
Bake
Culture:
Irish
Ingredient:
Flour
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