Irish Tea Bread

Irish Tea Bread Recipe - Traditional Homemade Delight from Ireland

Region / culture: Ireland | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 1.5 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Irish Tea Bread is a traditional and delicious treat that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea. This sweet bread is packed with mixed dried fruit and has a lovely moist texture that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Irish Tea Bread has been a staple in Irish households for generations. It is a simple and comforting recipe that is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. The combination of tea-soaked dried fruit gives this bread a unique and delightful flavor that is loved by many.

Ingredients

12 tbsp of strong tea
1 cup of hot water
1 lb (454 g) of mixed dried fruit
6 oz (170 g) of brown sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 oz (28 g) of melted butter
9 oz (255 g) of all-purpose flour
0.5 tbsp of bicarbonate of soda

How to prepare

For the mixed fruit, you can use raisins, currants, and any other dried fruit.
Chop the fruit into raisin-sized pieces.
Brew the tea in hot water.
In a bowl, combine the tea and mixed fruit.
Leave it to soak for at least 2 hours (soaking overnight is best).
Preheat the oven to 360°F (175°C).
Add sugar, egg, and melted butter to the tea and fruit mixture.
Sieve the flour and bicarbonate of soda, then fold the mixture in.
Line the bottom of a loaf pan with baking parchment or greaseproof paper.
Pour the mixture into the loaf pan and smoothen the top.
Bake for 1.5 hours.
Remove it from the pan.
Cool, or serve it warm.

Variations

Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor.
Swap out the mixed dried fruit for a single type of dried fruit, such as raisins or currants.
Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and water over the top of the bread for a sweet finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the dried fruit in tea for at least 2 hours, or overnight, allows the fruit to plump up and absorb the flavors of the tea.

- Be sure to line the loaf pan with parchment paper or greaseproof paper to prevent the bread from sticking.

- Make sure to cool the bread completely before slicing to ensure clean and even slices.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a slice of Irish Tea Bread with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a spread of butter.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to fold the flour and bicarbonate of soda gently into the wet ingredients to avoid overmixing and creating a tough bread.

- Check the bread with a toothpick or cake tester to ensure it is fully cooked before removing it from the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of strong tea for this recipe, such as black tea or herbal tea.

- If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Irish Tea Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the Irish Tea Bread into thick slices and arrange them on a serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy a slice of Irish Tea Bread with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting snack. It also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Irish Tea Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for a few seconds or toast it in a toaster oven until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Irish Tea Bread contains around 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Irish Tea Bread is a carbohydrate-rich treat, with the main sources of carbs coming from the dried fruit, sugar, and flour. Each serving contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

This bread contains a moderate amount of fats, mainly from the butter used in the recipe. Each serving has around 5g of fat.

Proteins

Irish Tea Bread is not a significant source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 2g of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

The dried fruit in this bread provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the all-purpose flour and may contain allergens from the dried fruit. Be sure to check for any specific allergens before consuming.

Summary

Irish Tea Bread is a delicious treat that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, with a small amount of protein. It provides a good source of vitamins and minerals from the dried fruit.

Summary

Irish Tea Bread is a delightful and comforting treat that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea. This sweet bread is packed with mixed dried fruit and has a lovely moist texture that is sure to please your taste buds. With its rich history and simple preparation, Irish Tea Bread is a recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a rainy afternoon in Dublin, and I was visiting my dear friend Bridget. As soon as I stepped into her cozy kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. Bridget welcomed me with a warm hug and a smile, and handed me a slice of her homemade Irish Tea Bread.

I took a bite and was instantly transported back to my childhood, when my own grandmother used to bake bread for our family gatherings. The sweet and slightly tangy flavor of the bread was like a taste of home, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Bridget noticed my interest and offered to teach me her recipe. She explained that Irish Tea Bread is a traditional Irish recipe that dates back generations. It is a simple yet delicious bread that is perfect for serving with a cup of tea or coffee.

I eagerly accepted Bridget's offer and spent the afternoon learning the secrets to making the perfect Irish Tea Bread. She showed me how to mix the ingredients just right, how to knead the dough until it was smooth and elastic, and how to bake it until it was golden brown and crusty on the outside.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Bridget shared stories of her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe to her many years ago. She spoke fondly of the time they spent baking together, and how the smell of fresh bread always brought back memories of her childhood.

By the time the bread was ready, I felt like I had been transported back in time, learning a cherished family recipe from a dear friend. Bridget wrapped up a loaf of Irish Tea Bread for me to take home, along with a handwritten copy of the recipe.

I thanked Bridget for her generosity and promised to make the bread for my own family. As I walked home in the rain, the scent of the bread filled my senses and warmed my heart. I couldn't wait to share this special recipe with my loved ones.

Back in my own kitchen, I gathered the ingredients and followed Bridget's instructions to the letter. The dough came together easily under my hands, and I kneaded it with care, remembering Bridget's gentle guidance.

As the bread baked in the oven, the house filled with the comforting smell of warm bread and spices. I couldn't help but smile as I thought of the generations of women who had passed down this recipe, each adding their own touch and creating a connection that stretched back through time.

When the bread was finally ready, I sliced it thick and served it with a pot of steaming tea. My family gathered around the table, their eyes lighting up at the sight and smell of the homemade bread.

As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight. The bread was a hit, just as I knew it would be. My children asked for seconds and thirds, and my husband praised me for my baking skills.

I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction as I watched my family enjoy the bread. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished tradition in our home, passed down from me to my children and grandchildren, just as Bridget had passed it down to me.

And so, that rainy afternoon in Dublin became a turning point in my cooking journey. I had learned a new recipe, yes, but I had also gained a deeper appreciation for the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other.

As I sat at the table, sipping my tea and savoring the last crumbs of Irish Tea Bread, I knew that I would always treasure the memory of that day and the special bond that had been forged over a simple loaf of bread. And I couldn't wait to share this recipe with others, spreading the joy and warmth of homemade bread to all who crossed my path.