Bara Brith

Instructions

1. 1

   Soak the fruit: Place the dried fruit in a large bowl. Pour over the hot, strong black tea. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave to soak overnight (or for at least 4 hours) until the fruit is plump and has absorbed most of the liquid.

2. 2

   Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin with parchment paper.

3. 3

   Mix the batter: Into the bowl of soaked fruit (including any remaining liquid), stir in the dark brown sugar, beaten egg, and mixed spice until well combined.

4. 4

   Add the flour: Gently fold in the self-raising flour until just combined and no dry pockets remain. The batter will be quite wet and heavy.

5. 5

   Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.

6. 6

   Cool and serve: Leave the loaf in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve sliced, spread generously with salted Welsh butter.