Gluten-Free Irish Tea Bread (Barm Brack)

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to bake up a traditional Irish treat. Gluten-Free Barm Brack, also known as Irish Tea Bread. This rich, fruity loaf is a seasonal favourite here in Ireland and something I make every year without fail. It’s best served sliced thick, toasted or plain, with a smear of butter and a hot cup of tea.

A Taste of Irish Halloween Tradition

Barm Brack is much more than just a fruit loaf, it’s steeped in Irish folklore. Traditionally, a small ring or charm is wrapped in parchment and hidden in the loaf before baking. Legend says whoever finds it in their slice will be the next to get married. I still follow this little tradition when I make it, and it always adds a bit of fun to Halloween tea time!

Rich, Dense and Packed with Fruit

Don’t expect a light and fluffy sponge, this tea bread is dense, moist, and full of sweet dried fruit. The flavour comes from soaking the fruit in strong tea overnight. This not only plumps the fruit but also infuses the loaf with a deep, comforting taste that gets better over time.

Dairy-Free by Nature

Another bonus? It’s naturally dairy-free! No butter, milk, or yoghurt needed. That makes this a great option for anyone avoiding dairy, without compromising on flavour or texture.

Slice It, Toast It, Love It

This Gluten-Free Barm Brack slices beautifully and keeps really well, if it lasts! It’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cosy snack on chilly October nights. It’s one of those bakes that just feels like home.

Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your delicious creations! Tag me on Instagram @laurasglutenfreekitchenblog – I might even share your post!

Gluten-Free Irish Tea Bread (Barm Brack)

This Gluten Free Barm Brack is a traditional Irish tea bread made with dried fruit soaked in tea. Perfect for Halloween or autumn, it's also dairy-free and packed with flavour.

Author: Lauras Gluten Free Kitchen Cooking Method: Baked Cuisine: Irish Recipe Keys: Breads & Poundcakes Halloween

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe Breads & Poundcakes

Prep Time 10 hrs Cook Time 1 hr Total Time 11 hrs Difficulty: Beginner

Ingredients

Servings

• 350 grams Dried mixed fruit
• 228 grams soft, dark brown sugar
• 300 ml 3 - 4 teabags Hot black tea (stronger is better)
• 285 grams Gluten free self raising flour
• 1 egg
• ¹⁄₂ tsp mixed spice
• ¼ tsp xanthan gum
• 2 tsp baking powder

Instructions

1. Put all the dried fruit into a bowl with the brown sugar and pour the hot tea over the top. Cover and let stand on the counter overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F /180°C Fan/ Gas Mark 4
3. Grease and flour the inside of a loaf tin and set aside.
4. Pour the fruit/tea mixture into a large bowl.
5. Next, add the beaten egg.
6. Add the gluten free flour, mixed spice, xanthan gum and baking powder and mix well.

7. At this point add in your ring/charm wrapped tightly in parchment paper and mix it into the batter, Pour the batter into prepared loaf pan.

8. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Allow the gluten free tea bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully remove and place on a cooling rack. Be sure to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Soak your dried fruit in hot tea overnight for best flavour and texture. Don’t skip this step!

If you'd like to include the traditional ring or charm, make sure to wrap it tightly in parchment paper and stir it into the batter before baking.

This recipe is naturally dairy-free, no milk, butter or yoghurt required.

Tastes even better the next day as the flavours deepen. Store wrapped tightly in foil or cling film.

Slice and enjoy plain or toasted, with or without butter.

Suitable for freezing. Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.