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Sweet Irish Barmbrack with Whiskey-Soaked Raisins

Name: Sweet Irish Barmbrack with Whiskey-Soaked Raisins
Prep time: 70 min
Cook time: 210 min
Total time: 280 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1 cup raisins; 1/2 cup Irish whiskey; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C); 1 large egg, beaten; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup water

This classic Irish bread brings a touch of sweetness with plump, whiskey-soaked raisins and warm spices, perfect for a lovely tea-time treat or a hearty breakfast.

4.9(741 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 23, 2025

Sweet Irish Barmbrack with Whiskey-Soaked Raisins — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h 10 min

Cook

3 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Raisins

For the Dough

For the Glaze

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 485 kcal
Protein: 8.2 g
Carbs: 80.81 g
Fat: 7.94 g
Fiber: 2.44 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3881 kcal
Protein: 65.7 g
Carbs: 646.5 g
Fat: 63.5 g
Fiber: 19.5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 cup raisins	493	3.7	131	0.5	6
1/2 cup Irish whiskey	560	0	12	0	0
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour	1596	45	336	4.5	12
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast	21	3	3	0	0
1/2 cup granulated sugar	387	0	100	0	0
1 tsp salt	0	0	0	0	0
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon	3	0	1	0	1
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg	3	0	0.5	0	0.5
1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)	149	8	12	8	0
1 large egg, beaten	68	6	1	5	0
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted	407	0	0	46	0
1/4 cup sugar	194	0	50	0	0
1/4 cup water	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Raisins

1
Combine raisins and whiskey
Combine raisins and whiskey in a bowl.
2
Stir and cover
Stir well and cover with plastic wrap.
3
Soak the raisins
Let it soak for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Tip: Allow the raisins to soak overnight for the best infusion of flavor.

Preparing the Dough

1
Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2
Proof the yeast
In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit until frothy.
Tip: Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
3
Form the dough
Combine the yeast mixture, beaten egg, and melted butter with dry ingredients to form a dough.
Tip: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic for the perfect texture.

How to Make Sweet Irish Barmbrack with Whiskey-Soaked Raisins

Total time: 4 h 40 min · Yields 8 servings

1
Mixing Dough
Combine soaked raisins with dough and knead until well incorporated.
2
First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1.5 hours in a warm area until doubled in size.
3
Baking
Shape the dough into a tin, let it rise again for 30 minutes, then bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-35 minutes.