Traditional Irish tea treat (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Filling
01 -
4¼ cups (10 ⅔ oz/303 g) fresh breadcrumbs
02 -
1 cup (8 fl oz/240 ml) black tea
03 -
¼ cup (1½ oz/35 g) self-raising flour
04 -
1 cup (5 oz/142 g) raisins
05 -
5 tablespoons golden syrup
06 -
2 teaspoons cinnamon
07 -
½ teaspoon nutmeg
08 -
½ teaspoon ginger
09 -
⅛ teaspoon cloves
→ For the Crust
10 -
1 recipe pie crust
11 -
Egg wash (1 beaten egg)
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter an 8-inch (20-cm) square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, throw together the breadcrumbs, tea, flour, raisins, golden syrup, and all your spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves). Let this mixture sit for about 20 minutes so the breadcrumbs can soak up all those lovely flavors.
03 -
On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of your pie crust to about ¼ inch thickness. Trim it to fit the bottom of your prepared pan and press it gently into place.
04 -
Spoon your soaked breadcrumb mixture over the bottom crust, spreading it evenly to the edges.
05 -
Roll out the remaining pie crust to the same thickness, trim it into a square to fit the top of the pan. Place it over the filling and prick all over with a fork. Brush the top with egg wash to give it a nice golden color when baked.
06 -
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, until the pastry turns a beautiful golden brown.
07 -
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before lifting it out and cutting into 16 squares. This patience will be rewarded with neat slices that hold together well.
# Notes:
01 -
Always use fresh breadcrumbs, not dried, for the authentic moist texture.
02 -
You can substitute 1½ tablespoons of mixed spice for the individual spices.
03 -
Golden or black raisins work equally well, and you can substitute any dried fruit of your choice.
04 -
Honey makes a good substitute for golden syrup if needed.