Irish Tea Cake Recipe: How to Make a Light Barmbrack Tea Cake posted by Something Swanky Pin Share Tweet Email SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. As the autumn leaves begin to color the Irish countryside, there’s nothing more inviting than a steaming hot cup of tea, coupled with a slice of traditional irish tea cake. This delight is also known as Barmbrack, a moist and fruity tea loaf that has become a staple in many Irish households, particularly around Halloween. But no matter the time of year, this simple cake is perfect for an afternoon tea break, offering just the right amount of sweetness. Let’s take a closer look at how to create this lovely cake without needing any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Understanding the Irish Tea Cake First things first, understanding the irish tea cake is key to mastering its creation. This isn’t your typical pound cake or simple vanilla cake. The Irish tea cake, or Barmbrack, is a type of cake that is closer to a fruit bread or tea bread. Its primary component is dried fruit, usually a mixed fruit blend of currants, raisins, and sultanas, soaked in a hot cup of tea overnight. This soaking not only softens the fruit but also infuses it with robust tea flavor. Preparing for Your Irish Tea Cake Recipe Before you start, gather all your basic ingredients. You’ll need a variety of dried fruit for your fruit mix, some plain flour, brown sugar, and a hot cup of tea for soaking the fruit overnight. And of course, you’ll need a cake tin to bake your irish tea cake in. You might also find it helpful to have a wire rack for cooling your cake once it’s baked. Mixing and Baking the Irish Tea Cake Once your fruit mix has had time to soak overnight, you’ll want to preheat your oven and prepare your cake tin with some greaseproof paper. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until you have a thick batter. Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and bake until golden brown. Letting the Cake Cool Once your irish tea cake is baked to a golden brown perfection, remove it from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial as it helps the cake firm up and makes it easier to slice. Serving Your Irish Tea Cake Once your cake has cooled, transfer it to a serving plate. Slice the irish tea cake into thick slices and serve with a steaming cup of tea. You can also sprinkle some confectioners’ sugar right on top of the cake for an extra touch of sweetness. This cake is best enjoyed the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together. Storing the Irish Tea Cake One of the best things about this cake is that it keeps well. Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your irish tea cake can last for up to a week, remaining moist and flavorful. This makes it a great option for preparing ahead of time for special occasions or for enjoying as an everyday cake. Final Thoughts on the Irish Tea Cake Whether you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day dinner or simply want to try your hand at traditional Irish fare, the irish tea cake is a great choice. With basic ingredients and no need for special equipment, this cake is a delight to make and even more delightful to eat. So, put the kettle on, get your ingredients ready, and embark on a delicious journey to making this traditional Irish tea cake.
