Irish Barmbrack Tea Bread

Step 1

Pour hot tea over the dried fruit in a medium sized bowl. Cover and set aside to soak for at least 1 hour (or until beginning to plump).

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 325℉ and lightly grease an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan (or 1lb loaf pan).

Step 3

In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Add the dried fruit and any remaining liquid. Stir until completely combined; the batter will be very thick and stiff.

Step 4

Add the egg and mix until thoroughly combined.

Step 5

Spread the batter into the prepared loaf pan, hide the trinkit if using, and sprinkle optionally with a coarse sanding sugar (I'm using Vanilla Sparkling Sugar).

Step 6

Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out moist without large crumbs sticking.

Step 7

Remove from the oven and turn it out onto a rack to cool.