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Recipe

Irish-Inspired Halloween Tea Barmbrack

Tea-soaked raisins, orange zest and warm spice create a moist Irish-inspired barmbrack for Halloween. This simple loaf needs an overnight soak but no kneading.

Irish-Inspired Halloween Tea Barmbrack
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Plan this recipe

Choose when you’d like to enjoy it.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (300 g) raisins or a mix of raisins and sultanas
  • 1 cup (240 ml) strong black tea, cooled
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
  • 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil, plus a little for the pan

Instructions

  1. Place the raisins in a covered bowl with the cooled tea. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, stirring once if convenient; do not drain the soaking liquid.
  2. Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly oil a 9-by-5-inch (23-by-13-cm) loaf pan and line it with parchment, leaving a little overhang for lifting.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, egg, orange zest and oil. Stir in the soaked fruit with all the remaining tea.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt thoroughly so the raising agent is evenly distributed.
  5. Fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture just until no flour pockets remain. The batter should be thick and scoopable. Transfer to the pan and level the top.
  6. Bake for 60–70 minutes, checking from 55 minutes onward. If the top is browning too fast, cover loosely with foil. A skewer inserted in the center should emerge without wet batter.
  7. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift onto a rack. Leave to cool for at least 45 minutes more before cutting; slicing too early can make the middle seem gummy.
  8. Cut into 12 slices. Store well wrapped in a cool place for up to 2 days, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.

A tea-soaked fruit loaf is a welcoming Halloween bake: slice it for an afternoon treat or serve a thin piece after dinner. This Irish-inspired, baking-powder version is closer to a tea loaf than a yeasted bread, with plenty of raisins and citrus fragrance.

The fruit soaks overnight in the refrigerator, making the next day’s mixing quick. No coins, rings or other objects are hidden in this loaf; keep the festive tradition in the conversation, not inside the food.

Planning ahead

Total time includes an 8-hour soak, baking and cooling. A longer overnight soak is fine; keep the covered fruit in the refrigerator.

Serving ideas

Serve plain or lightly toasted. Butter is optional and not included in the nutrition estimate. A serrated knife helps cut neatly through the fruit.

Frequently asked questions

Does the loaf contain alcohol?

No. The fruit soaks in black tea.

Can I use decaffeinated tea?

Yes. Brew it to a similar strength and cool before soaking the fruit.

Nutrition notes

Nutrition values are approximate editorial estimates per serving, not laboratory measurements or a verified nutritional analysis. Actual values vary with brands, portion size and substitutions. These original recipe drafts have not been kitchen-tested; cooking times are guides.

Estimate includes all dried fruit, sugar and soaking tea and excludes optional butter. Raisin sizes and slice thickness affect values.

Allergen information: Wheat/gluten; Egg; Dried fruit may contain sulfites; check label. Check all ingredient labels and individual dietary needs.

Per serving

Nutrition facts

Serving size: One of 12 slices, without butter (estimated nutrition)

Calories
200
Total fat
2 g
Saturated fat
0 g
Cholesterol
15 mg
Sodium
170 mg
Total carbohydrate
44 g
Dietary fiber
2 g
Total sugars
26 g
Protein
3 g

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