Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious food. And one traditional treat that is a staple in many Irish households during this festive season is Irish Christmas bread. Also known as "barmbrack", this sweet bread is filled with warm spices, dried fruits, and a touch of whiskey. It's a must-have for any holiday spread and is sure to delight the taste buds of your guests. In this article, we'll take you through an easy and authentic Irish Christmas bread recipe that will become a family favorite in no time.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, All Purpose
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Ingredients for Irish Christmas Bread
1. Flour and Yeast
The base of this bread is a combination of flour and yeast. You can use all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour, depending on your preference. And for the yeast, you can use instant yeast or active dry yeast. Both work well in this recipe.
2. Dried Fruits
Dried fruits like raisins, currants, and cranberries give this bread its signature sweetness and texture. You can use a combination of these or use your favorite dried fruits to make it more personalized.
3. Warm Spices
To give the bread that warm and cozy flavor, we'll be adding a mix of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. These spices complement the sweetness of the fruits and add a depth of flavor to the bread.
4. Whiskey
Adding a splash of whiskey to the recipe is optional but highly recommended. It adds a subtle boozy flavor to the bread that truly elevates it to the next level. If you don't want to use whiskey, you can substitute it with orange juice.
5. Sugar and Butter
To balance out the sweetness of the dried fruits, we'll be using a combination of sugar and butter. These also help in keeping the bread moist and tender.
Instructions for Making Irish Christmas Bread
1. Soak the Dried Fruits
Start by soaking the dried fruits in hot water for about 10 minutes. This helps in plumping them up and making them softer.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and spices. Mix them well.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the soaked fruits, melted butter, whiskey, and some warm water. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough
Lightly flour a surface and transfer the dough to it. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Let it Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
6. Bake the Bread
After the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
Enjoy Your Irish Christmas Bread
Once the bread is done, let it cool before slicing and serving. This Irish Christmas bread recipe is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, or even as a sweet treat after a holiday meal. Give it a try and impress your loved ones with this traditional Irish treat.
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