If you love traditional Welsh cakes, you will adore this Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe. It is a rich, fruity tea loaf full of dried fruits and warm spices.
I first tried it at a friend’s tea party and the aroma instantly reminded me of cozy afternoons with family. This Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe is easy to make at home and perfect for teatime or a light dessert.
Today, I will show you exactly How to make Mary Berry Bara Brith using simple ingredients and clear steps.
Why I Love Making This Bara Brith
Bara Brith is one of my favorite traditional Welsh treats. It feels cozy and comforting. I remember baking it with my mother as a child.
The smell of mixed fruits, tea and spices filled the kitchen. Mary Berry’s recipe makes it simple and reliable. The cake is moist, flavorful and slightly sweet.
It works wonderfully with a cup of hot tea. Making it at home gives me a sense of tradition and warmth. Every slice reminds me of family gatherings and quiet afternoons.
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Loaf tin (9 x 5 inches)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Cooling rack
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Mary Berry Bara Brith
- Servings: 10 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Course: Dessert or Tea Cake
- Cuisine: Welsh / British
- Calories: About 250 kcal per slice
Ingredients You Need for Mary Berry Bara Brith
- 225 g mixed dried fruit (sultanas, currants, raisins)
- 150 ml strong black tea
- 150 g light brown sugar
- 225 g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- 50 g butter, melted
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brandy or orange juice for soaking
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Soak the Fruit
Place dried fruit in a bowl and pour hot black tea over it. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This plumps up the fruit and adds deep flavor to the loaf.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf tin and line it with parchment paper. This ensures the loaf cooks evenly and comes out clean.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift self-raising flour. Stir in mixed spice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently to combine. These spices give the cake its warm, fragrant flavor.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Add the soaked fruit, melted butter, sugar and lemon zest to the flour mixture. Crack in the egg and stir gently until all ingredients are combined. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky.
5. Optional Soak for Extra Flavor
For a richer taste, add brandy or orange juice to the batter and stir. This step is optional but adds depth and a traditional touch.
6. Pour and Smooth
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Use a spatula to level the top evenly. Tap the tin gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
7. Bake the Loaf
Bake in the preheated oven for 55–60 minutes. Check with a skewer in the center; it should come out clean when done. Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent sinking.
8. Cool Before Slicing
Remove the loaf from the tin and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. Cooling ensures the loaf sets and slices neatly.
Read More: Burger King Churro Fries Recipe
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of sultanas, currants and chopped dried apricots for variety.
- Add a teaspoon of orange zest for extra brightness.
- Wrap the loaf in foil after baking for a moister cake.
- Serve toasted with butter for a classic touch.
- Replace black tea with Earl Grey for subtle bergamot flavor.
- Soak the fruit overnight for even deeper taste.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Bara Brith, which means “speckled bread” in Welsh, is a traditional tea loaf from Wales. It dates back centuries and is known for its rich combination of dried fruit and spices.
Traditionally, it was served with butter during afternoon tea. Mary Berry’s version updates this classic, keeping it moist, flavorful and easy to bake at home. It remains a popular treat in British households and during festive seasons.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
Bara Brith pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. You can serve it alongside scones or other light cakes. It also works well with clotted cream or lightly salted butter.
For a brunch spread, slice and add to a platter with fresh fruit. It pairs nicely with mild cheeses on a savory-sweet board.
Occasion or Event Ideas
This cake is perfect for afternoon tea parties. It works well for family brunches and festive celebrations. I often bake it during holidays or birthdays.
Its fragrant aroma fills the kitchen and makes any occasion feel special. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift when wrapped nicely.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
- Wrap in foil or parchment paper to keep it moist.
- For longer storage, freeze the loaf for up to three months.
- Slice before freezing for easier portioning.
- Warm slightly in the oven or microwave before serving for a soft texture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Health Benefits
Bara Brith contains dried fruits, which provide natural sugars and fiber. Spices like cinnamon and mixed spice have antioxidants. Tea adds a subtle tannin flavor without extra calories.
Using moderate sugar keeps it lighter than some richer cakes. Enjoying a slice with tea is a comforting treat that balances sweetness with traditional home-baked goodness.
Read More: Hairy Bikers Dundee Cake Recipe
Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe
Ingredients
- 225 g mixed dried fruit sultanas, currants, raisins
- 150 ml strong black tea
- 150 g light brown sugar
- 225 g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- 50 g butter melted
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brandy or orange juice for soaking
Instructions
Soak the Fruit
- Place dried fruit in a bowl and pour hot black tea over it. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This plumps up the fruit and adds deep flavor to the loaf.
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf tin and line it with parchment paper. This ensures the loaf cooks evenly and comes out clean.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, sift self-raising flour. Stir in mixed spice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently to combine. These spices give the cake its warm, fragrant flavor.
Add Wet Ingredients
- Add the soaked fruit, melted butter, sugar and lemon zest to the flour mixture. Crack in the egg and stir gently until all ingredients are combined. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky.
Optional Soak for Extra Flavor
- For a richer taste, add brandy or orange juice to the batter and stir. This step is optional but adds depth and a traditional touch.
Pour and Smooth
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Use a spatula to level the top evenly. Tap the tin gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
Bake the Loaf
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55–60 minutes. Check with a skewer in the center; it should come out clean when done. Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent sinking.
Cool Before Slicing
- Remove the loaf from the tin and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. Cooling ensures the loaf sets and slices neatly.
Notes
- Use a mix of sultanas, currants and chopped dried apricots for variety.
- Add a teaspoon of orange zest for extra brightness.
- Wrap the loaf in foil after baking for a moister cake.
- Serve toasted with butter for a classic touch.
- Replace black tea with Earl Grey for subtle bergamot flavor.
- Soak the fruit overnight for even deeper taste.
FAQs about Mary Berry Bara Brith
1. Can I make Mary Berry Bara Brith ahead of time?
Yes, this loaf tastes even better the next day. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The flavors develop as it rests.
2. Can I use other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Chopped figs, dates or cranberries work well. Adjust quantities to maintain the moist texture and balanced sweetness.
3. Is it necessary to soak the fruit in tea?
Soaking plumps the dried fruit and infuses it with flavor. Skipping this step will result in a drier loaf with less depth.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend. Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for structure if needed.
5. How should I serve Bara Brith?
Slice thinly and serve with butter or cream. It is perfect with hot tea or coffee and can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert.
Final Thoughts
This Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe is rich, fruity and full of warm spices. Now you know exactly How to make Mary Berry Bara Brith at home. The Ingredients for Mary Berry Bara Brith are simple and easy to find.
Try it for your next tea party or cozy afternoon at home. Every slice brings comfort, tradition and delicious homemade flavor.
Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.