What Makes This Spelt Barmbrack Special
Spelt Irish Barmbrack is a classic Halloween treat from Ireland — a moist, fruit-filled loaf steeped in tea and warm spices. Traditionally, small charms were baked inside to predict fortunes for the year ahead, making it both delicious and symbolic.
This modern version keeps the comforting flavours but uses spelt flour for a nuttier taste and easier digestion. The result is a wholesome loaf that’s soft, subtly sweet, and packed with raisins and mixed peel — perfect for breakfast, teatime, or late-night autumn cravings.
🎃 A Perfect Halloween or Autumn Bake
If you enjoy simple baking with rich flavour, this is your recipe. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and smells incredible while baking. You can even prepare it a day ahead — the flavour deepens overnight, making it even more irresistible.
Serve it warm with butter or enjoy it plain with tea. Either way, this spelt barmbrack delivers cosy autumn comfort in every bite — ideal for sharing at any Halloween party or quiet evening by the fire.
Spelt Irish Barmbrack (Halloween Bread)
Description
A moist, fruit-studded Irish loaf made with spelt flour, tea-soaked dried fruit, and gentle spices. Perfect for autumn, this traditional Halloween bread offers warmth and nostalgia in every slice.
Ingredients
Instructions
Soak the Fruit:
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Place the dried fruit in a bowl and pour over the cold tea. Cover and leave to soak overnight (or at least 6 hours).
Preheat Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a 1lb loaf tin with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, combine spelt flour, baking powder, sugar, and spices.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
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Stir the soaked fruit and tea into the dry mix. Add the beaten egg and mix until combined. The batter should be thick but spoonable.
Bake:
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Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 60 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
Glaze (Optional):
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Warm honey slightly and brush it over the top of the loaf while still hot for a shiny finish.
Cool & Serve:
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Allow to cool before slicing. Serve plain or spread with butter.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 240kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2.5g4%
- Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
- Cholesterol 25mg9%
- Sodium 60mg3%
- Potassium 180mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 28g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Best enjoyed the day after baking for a richer flavour.
Wrap tightly in foil and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
You can freeze slices for up to 2 months — just thaw and warm before serving.
