Irresistible Traditional Welsh Bara Brith – 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Spiced Fruit Bread

Thank you so much for stopping by today, friends! I’m beyond excited to share with you one of the most heartwarming recipes from Wales: Traditional Welsh Bara Brith. Literally meaning “speckled bread” in Welsh, this loaf is as cozy as a knit blanket on a rainy afternoon.

This recipe is steeped in tradition—fruits plumped up in strong black tea, kissed with mixed spice, and baked into a loaf that fills the kitchen with the most irresistible aroma. Whether you serve it thickly sliced with butter at teatime or bring it to the table for a family gathering, Bara Brith is comfort in every bite.

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Overview of Recipe Content

What is Bara Brith?
Bara Brith is a Welsh fruit loaf—part bread, part cake—made with tea-soaked dried fruit, sugar, flour, and spice. Traditionally served with butter and a cuppa, it’s a staple of Welsh teatime and an iconic bake often sold in bakeries across Wales.

Why you’ll love it:

• Moist, spiced, and fruity—like a hug in loaf form.
• Easy to make (no fancy equipment needed).
• Keeps beautifully for several days, making it perfect for gifting or meal prepping.

What it tastes like:
Think of a lighter fruitcake without the heavy richness. Sweet but not overly so, gently spiced, and with juicy bites of fruit in every slice.

Nutritional & seasonal notes:

• Lower fat compared to many cakes (no butter or oil in the batter!).
• Traditionally enjoyed year-round, but especially wonderful in colder months with a steaming mug of tea.

Ingredients you’ll need:

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• ☕ 300ml strong brewed tea (cooled)
• 🍇 300g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)
• 🥄 100g dark brown sugar
• 🥚 1 large egg (beaten)
• 🌾 225g self-raising flour
• 🌿 1 teaspoon mixed spice

Tools you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Standard loaf tin (lined with parchment)
• Oven

Substitutions & additions:

• Swap mixed spice for cinnamon + nutmeg if that’s what you have.
• Add orange zest for a citrusy lift.
• A splash of whisky or brandy in the tea makes it extra festive!

How to Make Traditional Welsh Bara Brith

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1. Soak the fruit – In a large bowl, combine the dried fruit, sugar, and hot tea. Stir well, cover, and leave overnight (or at least 6 hours). This makes the fruit plump and juicy.
2. Preheat the oven – Set to 170°C (340°F). Line a loaf tin with parchment paper.
3. Mix the batter – Stir the beaten egg into the soaked fruit mixture. Add flour and mixed spice, folding gently until combined.
4. Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 50–60 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool & serve – Allow the loaf to cool before slicing. Spread generously with butter, and enjoy with a strong cup of tea.

The smell of this baking—oh, it’s pure magic!

What to Serve with Bara Brith

• A hot pot of Earl Grey or breakfast tea.
• A slather of salted butter (trust me, it makes all the difference).
• For a full Welsh teatime, serve alongside Welsh cakes and scones.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t skip the overnight soak—the fruit needs time to soften.
• Store in an airtight container to keep it moist. Bara Brith tastes even better the day after baking!
• Use good-quality loose leaf tea for the richest flavor.

Storage Instructions

• Room temp: Wrap tightly; keeps for 4–5 days.
• Fridge: Not necessary unless your kitchen is very warm.
• Freeze: Yes! Wrap in foil + freezer bag. Keeps up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.

General Information

Bara Brith is more than just a bake—it’s part of Welsh identity. In fact, it was once a regular Saturday treat for families, eaten fresh over the weekend. Every region has its own variation, but the heart of the recipe—tea-soaked fruit—remains the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Bara Brith without tea?
Not really—it’s what gives the fruit its depth of flavor. But you can replace with hot apple juice for a caffeine-free version.

2. Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).

3. Why is my Bara Brith dry?
Likely overbaked or not enough soaking. Be sure the fruit mixture is juicy before adding flour.

4. Does it taste like fruitcake?
It’s lighter and less sweet than traditional fruitcake, making it easier to enjoy as an everyday loaf.

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Conclusion

There you have it, friends—Traditional Welsh Bara Brith! A simple, soulful bake that connects us to Welsh heritage and fills your kitchen with spiced, fruity warmth.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love these cozy bakes:

• Easy Moist Banana Bread
• Classic Irish Soda Bread
• Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Bread
• Traditional Christmas Fruitcake

Interactive Elements

I’d love to see your version of Bara Brith! 🍞

• Leave a comment or review below.
• Share your photos on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @poulefrecipe.

Nutritional Information (approx. per slice, based on 12 slices)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Sugar	Fat	Fiber
190	3g	40g	18g	1g	2g

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