If you’re a fan of traditional Welsh bread tea, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of fruit bread. And if you’re a fan of British baking, you’re probably familiar with the iconic Mary Berry. But have you ever wondered what happens when these two culinary legends come together? The result is nothing short of delightful – Mary Berry bara brith recipe
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of fruit bread, explore Mary Berry’s take on this classic recipe, and provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to make the perfect tea time treat. So, why is this article worth reading? Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, there’s something in this article for everyone. We’ll unravel the secrets of bara brith, share a renowned recipe, and leave you craving a cup of tea and a slice of bread. Let’s get started!
Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe
Equipment
- A mixing bowl
- A large spoon or spatula
- A measuring jug
- A weighing scale
- A sieve
- A bread tin (approximately 900g or 2lb in size)
- Baking parchment
- A pastry brush
Ingredients
- 300 g mixed dried fruit
- 300 ml hot black tea
- 85 g soft brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 225 g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp mixed spice
Instructions
- Soak 250g of mixed dried fruit in 300ml of hot tea.
- Once cooled, mix in 225g of self-raising flour, 100g of brown sugar, and 1 beaten egg.
- Pour the batter into a loaf tin and bake at 160°C (320°F) for about 1 hour.
Video
Notes
- Soak the fruit overnight. This will help to plump up the fruit and give the loaf a richer flavor. If you’re short on time, you can soak the fruit for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best.
- Use a strong tea. The tea will add depth of flavor to the loaf, so don’t be afraid to use a strong one, such as English Breakfast or Earl Grey.
- Don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are perfectly fine, and overmixing can make the loaf tough.
- Bake the loaf until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This should take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, but be sure to check it regularly towards the end of baking.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing and serving. This will help to keep it moist.
Table of contents
- 1. What is Bara Brith?
- 2. The Mary Berry Connection
- 3. Gathering Your Ingredients
- 4. The Art of Soaking Dried Fruit
- 5. Mixing Up the Magic
- 6. The Baking Process
- 7. Achieving the Speckled Bread Look
- 8. Serving and Enjoying Your Bara Brith
- 9. Variations and Tips
- 10. A Slice of Welsh Tradition: Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Bara Brith?
Bara brithis a traditional Welsh bread tea that has been cherished for generations. The name bara brith translates to “means “bread speckled,” which perfectly describes its appearance. This recipe involves soaking dried fruit in tea overnight and then mixing it into a simple yet satisfying tea loaf.
2. The Mary Berry Connection
Mary Berry, a British chef and television personality, has a knack for taking classic recipes and making them shine. Her take on fruit bread elevates this beloved treat to new heights. Mary Berry bara brith recipe is known for its rich and fruity flavor, deep aroma, and moist texture.
3. Gathering Your Ingredients
To make Mary Berry bara brith recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– Strong tea (hot and strong tea )
– Mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas, dried cherries, dried cranberries, etc.)
– Sugar
– Self-raising flour
– Mixed Flavoring
– Lemon peel
4. The Art of Soaking Dried Fruit
One of the key secrets to a moist and fragrant tea bread is the overnight soak of dried fruit in tea. The fruit absorbs the tea’s flavors, giving your fruit bread its characteristic taste and pepper.
5. Mixing Up the Magic
Mary Berry’s recipe also includes the addition of mixed spice, which adds a fragrant, spiced note to the bread. The mixing process is simple and satisfying, creating a batter that’s well-risen and ready to be baked.
6. The Baking Process
After preheating your oven to 150°C, prepare your baking tins. Due to the fruit content, it’s important to use a 2lb loaf tin. Bake the fruit bread in the preheated oven for about 1-1.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. To prevent it from over-browning, you can cover the top with parchment paper after the first 40 minutes of baking.
7. Achieving the Speckled Bread Look
The name “bara brith” means bread speckled, and achieving that speckled appearance is crucial. It comes from the mixed dried fruit, which is soaked overnight in tea. This step is where the magic happens, infusing your bread with flavor and creating those delightful Spots.
8. Serving and Enjoying Your Bara Brith
Once your fruit bread has cooled in the tin for 10 minutes, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This tea bread is perfect for slicing and enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee – it’s the ideal afternoon snack.
9. Variations and Tips
While Mary Berry bara brith is a classic, there are always opportunities for variation. You can experiment with different types of dried fruit to suit your taste buds. Apricots, dried cherries, or cranberries can add an extra flair to your Spots’ bread.
10. A Slice of Welsh Tradition: Conclusion
In conclusion, bara brith is more than just a tea bread; it’s a slice of Welsh tradition and a testament to the deep flavors that come from simple ingredients. Mary Berry bara brith with its addition of mixed spice and lemon zest, takes this classic to new heights. So, whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, don’t hesitate to try your hand at making this moist and fragrant tea bread. Your taste buds will thank you, and your friends and family will be begging for more.
In summary, here are the most important things to remember when making Mary Berry Bara brith.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Bara Brith is a traditional Welsh fruitcake that is infused with tea-soaked dried fruits, giving it a unique and delightful flavor.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of dried fruits to suit your taste preferences.
While it’s not mandatory, soaking the dried fruits overnight enhances their flavor and texture, making the cake more moist and delicious.
Yes, you can freeze Bara Brith for future enjoyment. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to preserve its freshness.
Yes, different regions of Wales may have their own variations of Bara Brith, but the core ingredients and preparation methods remain similar.
