Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe

Indulge in the rich and fruity flavors of Mary Berry Bara Brith recipe, a traditional Welsh tea bread that will transport your taste buds to a realm of deliciousness. This delightful loaf, affectionately known as “speckled bread,” is the perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of tea or coffee. Mary Berry, the renowned British chef and television personality, brings her own unique twist to this classic recipe, making it a must-try for all baking enthusiasts.

With Mary Berry’s expert guidance, you can effortlessly create a moist and fragrant loaf that features a beautiful speckled appearance from the soaked dried fruit. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is both simple and satisfying. Get ready to embrace the flavors and traditions of Wales as you embark on a delightful baking adventure with Mary Berry’s Bara Brith recipe.

Ingredients

To create Mary Berry’s delightful Bara Brith, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup self-rising flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup dried fruit, such as goji berries, cranberries, or raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup strong tea
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger

Additionally, you will need a 900g (2lb) loaf tin, greased and lined with baking paper. If you cannot find mixed spice, you can substitute it with a combination of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in equal amounts.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor and texture of the Bara Brith. The mixed dried fruit, soaked overnight in hot tea, becomes plump and imparts a deep, fruity flavor to the bread. The combination of mixed spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg adds a fragrant and spiced note. The soft light

brown sugar contributes to the bread’s sweetness and moist texture. Lastly, the beaten egg helps bind the ingredients together, resulting in a well-combined mixture.

Instructions (How to Make Mary Berry’s Bara Brith Recipe )

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create Mary Berry’s delicious Bara Brith:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the oil, granulated sugar, sour cream, eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are fully combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. In a separate bowl, gently toss the blueberries with 2 teaspoons of flour to coat them. Fold the flour-coated blueberries into the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool for about 20 minutes. Carefully remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the bread has cooled, prepare the zesty lemon glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the lemon juice quantity to achieve the desired consistency.
10. Using a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread, allowing it to spread and set for about 15-20 minutes.

Also Read: Amangiri Pancake Recipe

Tips and Tricks

To enhance the preparation and outcome of Bara Brith, here are some valuable tips and tricks:

1. Soak the dried fruit: The key to achieving a moist and flavorful bara brith is to soak the mixed dried fruit in hot strong tea overnight. This process helps plump up the fruit and infuse it with a deep flavor. Make sure to cover the bowl with cling film while soaking to prevent the fruit from drying out.
2. Experiment with dried fruit variations: While the recipe calls for a mix of currants, sultanas, and raisins, feel free to experiment with different types of dried fruit according to your preference. You can include dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, or even dried cranberries for added flavor and texture.
3. Substitute mixed spice: If you can’t find mixed spice, you can create your own substitute by combining equal amounts of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This blend will provide a similar warm and aromatic flavor profile to the bread.
4. Add extra spices: If you enjoy spicier flavors, you can increase the amounts of ground cinnamon and nutmeg in the recipe. This will enhance the aromatic notes and add an extra layer of warmth to the bara brith.
5. Grease and line the loaf tin: Ensure that you thoroughly grease and line the loaf tin with baking paper. This step prevents the bread from sticking to the tin, making it easier to remove once baked.

By following these tips and tricks, you can elevate the flavors and presentation of your bara brith, resulting in a truly delightful Welsh tea bread. Enjoy!

Troubleshooting

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Serving and Enjoyment

Bara Brith is a versatile tea bread that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve and enjoy this delicious treat:

1. Classic Combination: Serve sliced Bara Brith with a spread of creamy butter. The butter adds a rich and savory element that complements the sweetness of the bread.
2. Traditional Tea Time: Pair a warm slice of Bara Brith with a cup of freshly brewed tea. The fruity flavors and aromatic spices of the bread beautifully complement the tea, creating a cozy and comforting tea-time experience.
3. Afternoon Delight: Enjoy Bara Brith as an afternoon snack. Slice it and serve it as is, or lightly toast it for added warmth and crunch. It’s a satisfying treat to enjoy with a hot beverage or a glass of milk.
4. Dessert Delicacy: Elevate your dessert game by serving Bara Brith with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy and luscious accompaniments add a luxurious touch to the already delicious bread.

Conclusion

In summary, Mary Berry’s Bara Brith recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional Welsh tea bread. Soaking the dried fruit in tea overnight gives it a deep flavor, while the addition of mixed spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a fragrant and spiced note. With generous amounts of brown sugar, the loaf is wonderfully moist and sweet.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, Mary Berry’s recipe provides clear instructions to create a moist and fragrant tea bread. Enjoy a slice of Welsh tradition with this delicious recipe, perfect for any time of day.

Embrace the opportunity to savor the rich flavors and cozy goodness of homemade Bara Brith. Get ready to indulge in this delightful treat and create a memorable experience. Happy baking!