Mary Berry’s Traditional Bara Brith Recipe: A Welsh Tea Time Classic

Introduction

Craving a slice of authentic Welsh tradition? Let Mary Berry’s Bara Brith recipe transport you to a cozy tea time in the valleys of Wales. This beloved “speckled bread” (that’s what Bara Brith means in Welsh!) is a delightful fruit loaf that’s been gracing Welsh tea tables for generations. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, Mary’s foolproof recipe will guide you to create a moist, fragrant loaf studded with tea-soaked fruits and warmed with gentle spices. Perfect with a generous spread of butter and a cup of tea, this Bara Brith is about to become your new favorite teatime treat!

Cooking Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus soaking time)
• Serves: 10-12 slices

How to Make this Recipe?

Making Bara Brith is like orchestrating a delicious symphony of flavors, but don’t worry – it’s simpler than you might think! The key is patience, as the dried fruits need to soak overnight in strong tea. This isn’t just any fruit cake; it’s a traditional Welsh delicacy that Mary Berry has perfected. The fruit becomes plump and juicy, the tea adds depth, and the result is a wonderfully moist loaf that gets better with each passing day. Trust me, the heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is worth the wait alone!

Ingredients for this Recipe

• 450g mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, and sultanas)
• 300ml strong hot tea (Welsh brew if possible!)
• 250g self-raising flour
• 175g soft light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon mixed spice
• Honey or marmalade for glazing

Tips and Variations

• For the best flavor, wrap the cooled bara brith in foil and keep for 2 days before slicing.
• You can substitute the mixed spice with a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
• Try using different tea varieties like Earl Grey or Ceylon for subtle flavor variations.
• Serve sliced and buttered for an authentic Welsh tea time experience.

Nutritional Information

Per slice (based on 12 slices):

• Calories: 225
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g

Step-by-Step Guide for Making this Recipe

1. The Night Before:
   • Place the dried fruit in a large bowl
   • Pour over the hot tea, stir well
   • Cover and leave to soak overnight at room temperature
2. Preparing the Batter:
   • Preheat your oven to 150°C (130°C fan)/Gas 2
   • Grease and line a 900g loaf tin
   • Sift the flour and mixed spice into the soaked fruit (no need to drain)
   • Add the sugar and beaten egg
   • Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined
3. Baking:
   • Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin
   • Level the surface with the back of a spoon
   • Bake for about 1½ hours until risen and firm to the touch
   • A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean
4. Finishing Touches:
   • Remove from the oven and brush the top with honey or marmalade
   • Leave to cool completely in the tin
   • Turn out and wrap in foil or store in an airtight container

Recipe Notes

• The loaf keeps beautifully for up to 5 days and improves with time
• For the best flavor, use a strong breakfast tea
• Don’t skip the overnight soaking – it’s crucial for a moist, flavorful loaf
• The loaf can be frozen for up to 3 months
• Traditionally served sliced and buttered

FAQs

Q: Can I use different dried fruits? A: Yes! While traditional Bara Brith uses raisins, currants, and sultanas, you can experiment with dried cranberries or chopped apricots.

Q: Why do I need to soak the fruit overnight? A: Soaking softens the fruit and infuses it with tea flavor, ensuring a moist, flavorful loaf.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, simply substitute the self-raising flour with gluten-free self-raising flour and add 1 tsp of xanthan gum.

Q: How should I store my Bara Brith? A: Wrap it well in foil or store it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 5 days and improves with time.

Conclusion

There you have it – Mary Berry’s time-tested recipe for a classic Welsh Bara Brith! This beloved tea bread is more than just a bake; it’s a slice of Welsh heritage that you can recreate in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it at a traditional tea time, enjoying it as a breakfast treat, or sharing it with friends, this Bara Brith is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, pop the kettle on, slice up your homemade loaf, and savor the rich, fruity flavors that have been delighting taste buds for generations. Happy baking!