Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe: Speckled Bread

The Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe is a traditional Welsh recipe for tea bread, which was made in tiny villages all over Wales. The bread is called “speckled bread” because of the tiny little speckles of fruit in the bread. The bread is eaten along with tea because it is soft and has a nice mix of sweet and spicy flavors.

Traditionally, all the leftover fruit was gathered along with the remains of bread leftover after all the bread was baked. It was the last item to be baked in the house and has since emerged from the villages of Wales to become a popular recipe throughout the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.

Bara Brith Mary Berry Recipe – Everything You Need To Know:

This Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe is made up of Assam black tea, mixed dried fruits and mixed spices. The recipe is usually prepared in an hour and a half as well as an overnight soaking of the dried fruits and candied orange peel.

The tea bread is ideal for a tea-time snack, but can also be served with as a gift to friends or for gatherings with family, spreading joy with every slice.

Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe can be served with whipped cream, a spread of butter or by itself with a cup of tea or coffee.

Mary Berry Bara Brith Ingredients

• 300 ml Strong Assam Black Tea: Assam Black Tea is a form of black tea that has a rich, bold taste and is not bitter at all.
• 500 g Mixed Dried Fruits: The mixed dried fruits used in this Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe are raisins, sultanas and currants.
• 50 g Candied Orange Peel: The candied orange peel is sweet and pairs up well with the dried fruits.
• 150 g Dark Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar gives the loaf its dark color and unique texture.
• 300 g All-Purpose Flour: All purpose flour is preferred over normal white flour in this Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe. It thickens the batter of the loaf.
• 50 g Melted Butter: Butter gives a rich, creamy texture to the batter.
• 3 tbsp Orange Marmalade: Orange marmalade is a little bitter compared to orange jam, which balances out the sweetness of the candied orange peel.
• 1 tsp Mixed Spice: Use mixed spices as seasoning, according to your preference.
• 2 tbsp Apricot Jam: Use the apricot jam as topping to glaze. This will create a glossy look for the Bara Brith.
• 150 ml Milk: Milk provides moisture to the batter and adds tenderness to the texture of the loaf.
• 1 Egg: Make sure the egg is at room temperature.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Bara Brith?

1. Brew the strong black Assam tea and add it to a large mixing bowl. Soak the mixed dried fruits and candied orange peel in the brewed Assam tea.
2. Cover the bowl and let it sit overnight to allow the fruits to swell and absorb the tea flavor.
3. The next day, preheat the oven to 160°C.
4. Take a 900g loaf tin and line it up with parchment paper or grease it with butter.
5. Add dark brown sugar, orange marmalade, and mixed spice to the fruit mixture. Stir until completely mixed.
6. Mix in the beaten egg, melted butter, and milk to create the batter.
7. Add the flour, little by little, until there are no visible stains to ensure uniform consistency.
8. Pour the batter into the already prepared loaf tin. Level the surface with the back of a spoon or spatula.
9. Bake for an hour in the preheated oven or until golden brown or a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. While the Mary Berry Bara Brith is still heated, glaze the top with apricot jam to create a glossy look.
11. Allow it to cool thoroughly before removing it from the tin and serving.

Also Try: Mary Berry Lemon Yoghurt Cake Recipe

Tips To Make The Best Mary Berry Bara Brith

Follow these tips and tricks for the best possible results on this Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe:

• Make sure to use the correct type of strong black tea such as Assam, to give a rich flavor and avoid any bitterness.
• Make sure the dried fruits are evenly distributed in the batter to prevent sinking during baking.
• Use mixed spices as seasoning, according to your preference.
• Make sure the Mary Berry Bara Brith is baked perfectly. Check using a skewer, it should come out clean without any batter attached to it.
• Make sure that your oven can maintain the temperature as this loaf needs to be baked at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.
• Let the Bara Brith rest for a day before serving, in order to develop the flavors.

Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe FAQs

How long can you store Mary Berry’s Bara Brith?

Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container or in parchment wrap.

Can you freeze Mary Berry’s Bara Brith?

Yes, Mary Berry’s Bara Brith can be frozen for 3 months. Wrap in aluminum foil or plastic and place in a freezer safe container before putting in the freezer.

What do I serve with Mary Berry’s Bara Brith?

Mary Berry Bara Brith can be served with whipped cream, a spread of butter or by itself with a cup of tea or coffee.

Can I add nuts or other topping to this Bara Brith Mary Berry Recipe?

Yes, you can add nuts or any other additional toppings for added texture and a bit of variation in flavors.

Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe Card