Prepare to be transported to the beautiful island of Barbados with this delectable Bajan Sweet Bread recipe. Nothing quite captures the essence of this Caribbean paradise like the amazing aroma and sweet flavors of this traditional delicacy.

Bajan Sweet Bread, also known as Coconut Bread, is a richly textured coconut bread with a sweet flavor that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. This bread is made with a combination of ingredients that are native to the region, including turbinado sugar, butter, evaporated milk, nutmeg, dried cherries, raisins, coconut, and flour.

I’ve tried many variations of Bajan Sweet Bread over the years, but this recipe is my favorite. This recipe totally captures the traditional Bajan Sweet Bread flavor that I remember from my trips to Barbados.

Whether you have traveled to Barbados or simply want to explore new culinary horizons, this recipe is sure to please. So come along on this journey with me and let’s make some Bajan Sweet Bread together!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Have you ever tasted the traditional Bajan Sweet Bread from Barbados? Trust me when I say that you will be blown away by the mouth-watering flavors and rich textures of this delicacy.

Why should you add this recipe to your list of favorites? Firstly, it is the ultimate comfort food, thanks to its sweet flavor and coconut aroma that will transport your taste buds straight to the Caribbean. It is perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of day, satisfying your cravings with every bite.

Additionally, this bread recipe is a wholesome indulgence made with natural ingredients such as flour, turbinado sugar, raisins, dried cherries, grated coconut and evaporated milk. You don’t have to worry about indulging in unhealthy snacks or desserts since this sweet bread packs essential nutrients like fiber, iron, and vitamins.

But what sets Bajan Sweet Bread apart from other bread recipes is its unique texture that combines fluffiness with a satisfying chewiness. Moreover, the spices such as nutmeg adds an additional depth of flavor which complements well with the sweetness of the bread.

Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile that can be modified to fit vegan needs. If you’ve tried other Caribbean recipes before and were not satisfied with their texture or taste, give this one a shot! You won’t regret it- trust me!

Ingredient List

Fresh out of the oven and ready to be devoured!

Time to Gather Your Ingredients!

Before we can get started with making this delicious Bajan Sweet Bread, we need to make sure we have all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of everything you’ll need:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup turbinado sugar
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
3/4 cup evaporated milk, warmed
3/4 cup water, warmed
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried cherries
2 cups grated coconut

You may be thinking that’s quite an ingredient list! But trust me, it’s worth every bit. Plus, I bet you already have a few of these items in your pantry.

Now, you may notice that we’re using both unsalted butter and vegetable shortening. This is because the combination of the two gives our sweet bread a rich and delicate texture that just can’t be achieved with only butter or only shortening. And as for the grated coconut, it adds a delicious tropical flavor that makes this bread a true delight.

So go ahead and gather up these ingredients, and let’s dive into making some delicious Bajan Sweet Bread!

The Recipe How-To

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, it’s time to get into the how-to of making bajan sweet bread. It may seem like a long list of steps, but don’t worry, they are straightforward and easy to follow. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease your loaf pans with butter or cooking spray and set them aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together 4 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar

In another mixing bowl, cream together one cup of softened butter and two cups of brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in four lightly beaten eggs, one cup of evaporated milk, one cup of water, and one tablespoon of vanilla extract.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients Mixture

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring until fully combined.

Step 6: Fold in Coconut and Dried Fruit

Stir in two cups grated coconut, one cup dried cherries or raisins and any other optional toppings such as nuts or mixed peel.

Step 7: Pour into Prepared Loaf Pans

Divide the dough into your prepared loaf pans until they are between half and three-quarters full.

Step 8: Bake for One Hour

Bake for approximately one hour or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the bread.

Once done, carefully remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack for further cooling.

And voila! You have yourself a deliciously sweet bajan sweet bread that’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

Can you smell the delicious aroma of our Bajan Sweet Bread?

When it comes to creating variations or substitutions for Bajan Sweet Bread, there are many options available. One variation you can try is using different types of dried fruits like cranberries or apricots instead of the traditional raisins and cherries. You can also add chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a crunchier texture.

For those who prefer a more tropical flavor, consider substituting some of the flour with grated fresh coconut, coconut flour, or coconut milk. You can also add in additional spices like cinnamon or ginger to enhance the sweet flavor of the bread.

If you’re looking to make this recipe vegan-friendly, try replacing the butter and evaporated milk with vegan substitutes like coconut oil and coconut cream. You can also use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar instead of turbinado sugar.

For those who want to experiment with different baking recipes, try making this bread into a cake by increasing the baking powder and adding in some baking soda. Or why not turn it into a dessert by adding a sweet coconut filling?

No matter what substitutions or variations you make, Bajan Sweet Bread will always delight your taste buds with its richly textured coconut flavor.

Serving and Pairing

This recipe has been passed down for generations in Barbados.

When it comes to serving and pairing the Bajan Sweet Bread, there are a plethora of options to choose from. One classic way to enjoy this bread is to simply slice it up and serve it warm as an afternoon snack with some salted butter or cream cheese spread on top. The aroma of coconut and nutmeg will fill your senses, making it a delightful treat.

For those looking for more adventurous pairings, you can try pairing it with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast, or slathering some honey on top to enhance the sweet flavor. If you want something more savory, you can even go for some grilled halloumi cheese on top.

But wait, there’s more! If you have some leftover slices, try using them for French toast! You’ll love how the sweet bread makes for a delicious yet indulgent brunch. Additionally, dried cherries and raisins make for great toppings for a quick breakfast.

Lastly, because coconut milk is one of its main ingredients, the Bajan sweet bread pairs perfectly with tropical fruit. Whether it’s sliced mangoes or a fresh papaya smoothie, the tropical flavors will play on your palate in perfect harmony with the richly textured coconut bread.

The Bajan Sweet Bread is perfect for any occasion – from breakfast to afternoon snack – its versatility makes it easy and convenient to take anywhere. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or enjoying it by yourself, every slice will remind you of the tranquility of an island paradise.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

A perfect treat to share with family and friends.

If you have any leftover Bajan Sweet Bread, don’t worry! This bread can be easily stored for later enjoyment. One great thing about sweet bread is its ability to stay moist for several days without losing its sweet and rich flavor.

To store the bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature. It’s best to consume the bread within two to three days of baking it, but it can last up to five days if stored properly.

If you’d like to make Bajan Sweet Bread ahead of time, it’s easy to do so. Just follow the recipe directions, bake the bread as usual, then let it cool completely before wrapping and storing as instructed above. You can keep the bread in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or freeze it for up to one month.

When reheating Bajan Sweet Bread, a trick is to lightly moisten it with some warm milk or water before placing it in an oven/toaster oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will soften the crust and revive its fresh-from-the-oven texture!

Bajan Sweet Bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack or even dessert. With its delectable flavors and easy storage options, you can enjoy it anytime you crave something sweet and tropical.

Tips for Perfect Results

The perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

As an experienced baker, there are some tips that I can confidently give you that will make your Bajan sweet bread taste perfect. Here are some of them:

First, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature before using them. This is especially important for butter and eggs. If they’re too cold, they won’t mix well and could leave lumps in the dough.

Another factor to consider when baking Bajan sweet bread is the kneading process. For a richly textured and nicely risen bread, always knead the dough thoroughly to activate the gluten in the flour. Slowly add water or milk into the flour mixture as you knead; this ensures that the dough comes together evenly.

For best results, leave your Bajan sweet bread to rise for at least 30 minutes. It will enable it to become airy and fluffy, making it less dense and improving its texture.

When baking your Bajan sweet bread, it’s essential to watch the oven temperature carefully. The optimal temperature is 350°F (175°C), but if you don’t have an oven thermometer, then preheat the oven on 375°F (190°C) instead. This will give it enough time to get heat up and hit peak temperature when baking starts.

Lastly, be sure to give your homemade Bajan Sweet Bread time to cool down before serving or storing. Warm bread easily crumbles when cut too early. Letting it cool down for at least an hour is recommended so that it doesn’t fall apart when sliced.

By following these tips, I’m confident that your Bajan sweet bread will come out perfectly baked each time you make it!

FAQ

Now that you have all the details on how to make delicious sweet bread, let’s take a moment to address some of the frequently asked questions that might arise while making this Bajan Sweet Bread recipe. You might have some doubts about the ingredients or prefer to eliminate certain components to cater to specific dietary or taste preferences. So, I will answer a few of these questions in this section, and hopefully ease any concerns before you dive right into baking.

What is Caribbean bread called?

Let’s talk about Coco Bread, a commonly consumed bread in Jamaica and other Caribbean regions. This bread is made using flour and coconut milk, with a hint of sweetness added for a delectable flavor. It boasts a delightful texture, with a firm exterior and a soft interior that melts in your mouth. And it goes without saying that this bread is downright delicious.

What kind of bread is sweet bread?

Sweet bread, also known as pan dulce, buns or coffee bread, is a type of baked good that usually has a sweet taste. Certain types of sweet bread, like the Portuguese Pao Douce, may contain potato flour, which gives them a light texture and adds a touch of sweetness.

What is Portuguese sweet bread made of?

The Portuguese sweet bread, also known as pão doce or massa sovada, is a type of bread that has a light and fluffy texture with a subtle sweetness. It is made using ingredients such as flour, yeast, milk, sugar, eggs, and sometimes grated lemon peel for additional flavor. This bread can be baked as a whole loaf or as rolls.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Bajan Sweet Bread is a delightfully textured and flavorful delicacy from Barbados. This bread is known for its rich coconut flavor, nutmeg hints, and deliciously sweet taste that will leave you craving for more. With this recipe, you can now experience the traditional Bajan Coconut Bread in the comfort of your kitchen.

By the way, don’t limit yourself to using only dried cherries and raisins as filling options – this recipe is also perfect for experimenting with different ingredients like fresh coconut or even adding a layer of sweet coconut filling. The options are endless!

Whether you’re a fan of baking, trying out new recipes or just looking for an irresistibly sweet snack to enjoy any time of the day – Bajan Sweet Bread is definitely worth the effort! So why not get started with some baking today? You never know, it might just become one of your new favorite things!

I hope these detailed instructions, tips and recommendations have been helpful in guiding you through the process of making this delicacy. Remember, practice makes perfect – keep baking and experimenting with variations until you achieve that perfect result that you truly love. Happy Baking!

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Steven

Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.

Delicious Bajan Sweet Bread Recipe to Try Today