This Halloween barmbrack recipe is a true seasonal favourite, though honestly, it’s delicious any time of year. Made with cold tea, dried fruit and warm mixed spice, it’s sweet without being a heavy cake — perfect alongside a cup of tea. Having made hundreds of these barmbracks over the years, I can promise it won’t last long. In fact, I always double the recipe and bake two at once.
Barmbrack is a traditional Irish Halloween treat, often baked with small charms or coins wrapped in parchment and hidden inside, each said to predict something about the year ahead for whoever finds it in their slice. It’s a lovely bit of Halloween fun for the whole family, though a little caution is needed with younger children (more on that below).
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Halloween Barmbrack Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 fl oz (350ml) cold strong tea
- 7 oz (200g) dark brown sugar
- 12 oz (350g) mixed fruit (sultanas, raisins, currants)
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 10 oz (300g) self-raising flour
- 1 egg
Method:
1. Put tea, sugar, dried fruit and mixed spice in a large bowl, cover with cling film and leave to soak overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 170C/350F/gas mark 4. Grease and/or line an 8-inch round cake tin or a 2lb loaf tin.
3. Mix the soaked fruit mixture well, add flour and stir in well with a large spoon.
4. Add the beaten egg to make a smooth mixture.
5. Turn into the prepared tin and, if using, add the traditional coins/rings/other wrapped items (use parchment paper) into the mixture at this stage. Take care with young children, as these items may be a choking hazard.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour 40 minutes. Use a skewer to test — it should pull out cleanly when cooked.
7. Turn out and cool on a wire tray.
Serve barmbrack cold, cut into slices and topped with butter — though you probably won’t be able to resist a warm slice when it first comes out of the oven. Wrapped and stored in an airtight container, it will keep for up to two weeks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of tea?
Strong black tea works best, as it gives the barmbrack its deep colour and flavour. Make sure the tea has cooled fully before soaking the fruit.
Do I have to soak the fruit overnight?
Overnight soaking gives the best flavour and softest texture, as the fruit fully absorbs the tea and sugar. If you’re short on time, a few hours’ soak will still work, though the result will be slightly less rich.
Is it safe to bake coins or charms into the barmbrack?
This is a traditional touch, but take care with young children, as small wrapped items can be a choking hazard. Many families leave this step out altogether when serving to little ones, or add the charms only to slices meant for older family members.
How should I store barmbrack, and how long does it last?
Wrap it well and keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks, and the flavour often deepens after a day or two.
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Looking for more seasonal baking inspiration? Browse our full collection of family recipes for easy ideas the whole household will enjoy.
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