Sugar-Free Traditional Irish Barmbrack
Wholesome and bursting with flavor, this Sugar-Free Traditional Irish Barmbrack is a healthier twist on a beloved Irish classic. Made with naturally sweet dried fruits soaked in robust black tea and bound together with wholemeal flour, date paste, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this recipe avoids added sugars while delivering a rich, moist loaf filled with authentic taste. Perfect for pairing with tea or a dollop of butter, this barmbrack makes a delightful treat that’s both nutritious and nostalgic. Easy to prepare with minimal effort, it’s an ideal bake for festive gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 ml Strong black tea
- 100 g Raisins
- 100 g Sultanas
- 100 g Dried currants
- 50 g Date paste
- 250 g Wholemeal flour
- 1 tbsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 1 large Egg
- 50 ml Milk
Instructions
Brew 250ml of strong black tea and let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the raisins, sultanas, and dried currants. Pour the warm tea over the dried fruits and stir in the date paste. Cover and let the mixture soak for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if possible, so the fruits become plump and soft.
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and line a 2lb loaf tin with parchment paper.
In a separate bowl, sift together the wholemeal flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
Lightly whisk the egg and milk in a small bowl, then add them to the soaked fruit mixture. Stir well until combined.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the barmbrack to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve on its own, or with a spread of butter for an authentic Irish treat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2025 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.9 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.0 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 224 mg | 75% | |
| Sodium | 1546 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 463.7 g | 169% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 47.7 g | 170% | |
| Total Sugars | 224.1 g | ||
| Protein | 51.8 g | 104% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 432 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 17.5 mg | 97% | |
| Potassium | 3845 mg | 82% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
