Every Halloween it’s the same thing: the Irish dress up in spooky costumes, wander the streets in search of treats, and devour full slices of Barm Brack! Such is the fate of this typically Irish cake, served every October 31st to the delight of gourmands! Introducing this tasty cake, far from being an abomination!
History of Barm Brack
Origins and traditions… in connection with Samhain!
Du Barmbrack – Shutterstock
Barm Brack is a type of raisin-filled cake. Its Irish name, báirín breac, translates as “speckled bread”, in reference to the raisins and candied fruit that dot the dough.
Originally, this “cake” was prepared for Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival marking the end of harvest and the beginning of winter.
A popular custom was to hide small objects in the bread, each symbolizing a prediction for whoever found it. In this way, you could find :
- A ring: announcing a forthcoming marriage.
- A coin: an omen of wealth or good fortune.
- A piece of cloth: may indicate financial difficulties.
- A small stick: symbolizing disputes or disagreements.
- A pea or bean: signifying that the person who owns the cake will remain single.
The Barm Brack, today
Nowadays, the Barm Brack has retained its symbolism and superstitions. The Irish eat it mainly on Samain (now Halloween), at family gatherings.
It symbolizes the sharing, conviviality and hospitality so dear to the Irish. In terms of recipes, there are as many Barm Bracks as there are Irish families!
Traditional recipes are sometimes revisited to include new ingredients such as citrus zest, extra spices or even whiskey infusions.
The tradition of hiding symbolic objects in the cake persists, albeit less widely. Some commercial brands still include a small plastic ring in their loaves, perpetuating the custom.
A snack at Barm Brack
The sweetness of fruit and nutmeg
Unlike a cake, barm brack is not excessively sweet. It offers a balanced sweetness that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Raisins, sultanas and sometimes other candied fruits are usually soaked in infused black tea, giving them a deep, mellow, slightly tannic flavor.
Some also add citrus zest for a touch of freshness. In addition, spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg are often incorporated, adding subtle warmth and a comforting aroma.
Recipe: The Barm Brack
Ingredients
- 500 g flour
- 350 ml milk
- 110 g caster sugar
- 30 g baker’s yeast
- 80 g candied fruit
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 egg
- 90 g smyrn raisins
- 90 g black raisins
- 70 g butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 pinches salt
- black tea
Preparation
- Bring a pot of water to the boil, and steep the black tea.
- Sprinkle the tea over the raisins for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Mix the flour, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Add the softened butter.
- In a bowl, mix the yeast with the milk, and add the egg.
- Pour the mixture into the flour, adding the sugar.
- Mix for a few minutes.
- Then add the raisins and candied fruit.
- Leave to rest under a damp cloth for 2 hours.
- Place the dough in a buttered cake tin, adding, of course, the clean, washed penny and a ring.
- Bake for 1 hour at 200°C. Serve warm, with butter and a cup of tea!
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