Why Make This Recipe
Trinidad Sweet Bread is a delightful treat that embodies the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. This sweet, soft bread is often enjoyed during festive occasions, and its rich coconut flavor paired with spices makes it truly special. Making this bread at home allows you to enjoy its warm, comforting taste with your family and friends while filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
How to Make Trinidad Sweet Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups brown sugar (plus 3 tablespoons)
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups finely grated coconut
- 1/2 cup seedless raisins
- 1/2 cup mixed fruit (optional)
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (grated, optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease two bread pans (9×5) or one large and one small bread pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt.
- Stir in the grated coconut, raisins, and mixed fruit (if using).
- In a measuring cup, mix together the evaporated milk, beaten eggs, and melted butter, then whisk to combine.
- Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky.
- Divide the dough and shape it into loaves with your hands. Place each loaf in the prepared pans.
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick or skewer comes out clean.
- For a sweet glaze, mix 1 tablespoon of sugar with a little water and brush it over the bread when it’s done. Return the bread to the oven for another 5 minutes.
How to Serve Trinidad Sweet Bread
Trinidad Sweet Bread can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own or served with butter. You can also slice it up and serve it at breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. Adding a cup of tea or coffee makes it even more delightful.
How to Store Trinidad Sweet Bread
To store Trinidad Sweet Bread, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for longer storage. To enjoy frozen bread, simply thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Trinidad Sweet Bread
- Make sure your coconut is finely grated for the best texture.
- Adjust the spices to your liking; adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.
- If the dough feels too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour while shaping it into loaves.
Variation
You can try adding different dried fruits or nuts to the recipe. Some love to mix in chopped walnuts or almonds for added crunch. Another variation is to add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh coconut instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh coconut, but make sure to finely grate it for the best results.
2. Is Trinidad Sweet Bread gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour. However, you can try using gluten-free flour blends designed for baking.
3. Can I make this bread in advance?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. It stays fresh for a few days in an airtight container and can also be frozen for later enjoyment.
Trinidad Sweet Bread
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups brown sugar plus 3 tablespoons
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 cups finely grated coconut Make sure it's finely grated for best texture.
- 1/2 cup seedless raisins
- 1/2 cup mixed fruit optional
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease two 9x5 inch bread pans or one large and one small bread pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt.
- Stir in the grated coconut, raisins, and mixed fruit (if using).
- In a measuring cup, mix together the evaporated milk, beaten eggs, and melted butter, then whisk to combine.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky.
- Divide the dough and shape it into loaves with your hands. Place each loaf in the prepared pans.
Baking
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick or skewer comes out clean.
- For a sweet glaze, mix 1 tablespoon of sugar with a little water and brush over the bread when it is done, then return to the oven for another 5 minutes.