Barm Brack – An allergy friendly Halloween recipe






This sweet fruit loaf is a favourite Irish tradition at Halloween.  You can leave out the whiskey in this egg, dairy and nut-free recipe if you wish, but it adds a richness to the overall flavour.



375g packet fruit mix

50mls whiskey

250mls cold tea

225g plain flour

2 tsp baking powder

125g light brown sugar

1/2 tsp mixed spice

1 over ripe banana

900g loaf tin




  1. Place the fruit mix in a bowl and pour over the whiskey and cold tea. Allow to soak up the liquid overnight.
  2. Preheat the oven to 180˚C and grease and line a 900g loaf tin.
  3. Mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar and mixed spice in a mixing bowl.
  4. Add the mashed banana and a little of the liquid the fruit mix is sitting in and mix it through. You may not need all the liquid as you are looking for a wet dough. Stir through the fruit mix until everything is thoroughly combined.
  5. Spoon the wet dough into the lined loaf tin and place in the oven, on the middle shelf, and bake for 1 hour.
  6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before removing from the loaf tin and placing on wire rack.
  7. Serve in slices spread with a little butter.