This classic Irish spice bread is a comforting treat that fills your home with the aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The crumb is tender and moist, enriched with butter and golden syrup, while plump raisins and bits of candied peel add bursts of sweetness and chewy texture. It&# 226;ÂÂs an ideal accompaniment to a pot of tea or a simple dinner. Because it keeps well and actually improves in flavor after a day or two, itâÂÂs a wonderful make-ahead option for weekend baking or holiday gatherings.
Spice Bread (Irish
Description
This classic Irish spice bread is a comforting treat that fills your home with the aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The crumb is tender and moist, enriched with butter and golden syrup, while plump raisins and bits of candied peel add bursts of sweetness and chewy texture. It&# 226;ÂÂs an ideal accompaniment to a pot of tea or a simple dinner. Because it keeps well and actually improves in flavor after a day or two, itâÂÂs a wonderful make-ahead option for weekend baking or holiday gatherings.Ingredients
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 325ðF (165ðC). Grease a 2 lb loaf pan lightly with butter.
-
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, mixed spice, and ground ginger.
-
Add the light brown sugar, chopped candied peel, and raisins to the dry ingredients and mix until evenly combined.
-
Make a well in the center of the dry mixture.
-
In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the golden syrup over low heat. Stir until smooth.
-
Pour the warm butter and syrup mixture into the well in the dry ingredients.
-
Add the beaten egg and milk to the bowl.
-
Mix everything together very well until a smooth, thick batter forms.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
-
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 2924.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 87.2g135%
- Saturated Fat 52.6g263%
- Cholesterol 309.1mg104%
- Sodium 1131.4mg48%
- Total Carbohydrate 517.8g173%
- Dietary Fiber 12.3g50%
- Sugars 258.9g
- Protein 34.4g69%
* 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
* Mixed spice can be made by combining equal parts of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
** Lyons' Golden Syrup is traditional, but Karo golden corn syrup or a high-quality corn syrup works well as a substitute if you cannot find it.
This bread keeps moist for several days. Store it wrapped in parchment paper and then foil, or in an airtight container at room temperature. It often tastes even better on the second day as the flavors meld.
For a softer crumb, ensure you do not overmix the batter once the wet ingredients are added, though this recipe is quite forgiving.
