IRISH BARMBRACK CAKES FOR HALLOWEEN

Irish Barmbrack Cakes for Halloween image

Provided by Jenn Conley

Categories Breads

Time 12h50m

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 c strong, hot black tea
3 1/2 c mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, dry dates, candied orange peel, etc)
1 c whole milk
2 tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp granulated sugar
3 c bread flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 c brown sugar, packed
1/3 c butter
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice, ground

Steps:

1. Soak dried fruits in tea overnight (or a few hours if not enough time).
2. Heat milk until warm. Sprinkle yeast and teaspoon granulated sugar over top and stir. Let sit in a warm place for about 15 minutes, until foamy.
3. Stir together the flour, salt, spices, and brown sugar in a large bowl.
4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and add egg, yeast mixture, and butter. Mix well with a wooden spoon.
5. Drain fruit well, then add to the dough. This should produce a smooth dough. If it's too gooey, add more flour.
6. Knead dough on a floured board for about 5-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth, but just a little sticky.
7. Place dough in your greased cake or loaf pan, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes, until doubled.
8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake barmbrack 30 minutes.
9. Remove bread from the pan, flip it upside down, return it to the pan, and bake 20 minutes more.
10. Bread is done cooking it sounds hollow when tapped on the sides. Cool on a rack before serving.
11. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or serve with butter and jam.