Transport yourself to the sun-kissed beaches of Jamaica with these mouthwatering traditional desserts! Who wouldn’t want to escape the ordinary and indulge in a culinary journey that’s as vibrant as the island’s culture? These sweet treats, infused with the warm spices of ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon, will have your kitchen filled with an irresistible Caribbean aroma.
Imagine biting into tender cakes or indulging in creamy puddings, all boasting flavors of rich rum, coconut milk, and dried fruits. The possibilities are endless! Discover the secrets behind making Dukunnu, a beloved Jamaican dessert, or learn how to use a banana leaf as a creative canvas for your sweet creations. Island time has no rules, after all!
Get ready to be amazed by the array of delicious treats like Rock Cake, Bammy, Bulla, Coco Drops, and many more – each one a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more.
Bammy
Jamaica’s beloved bammy is a simple yet flavorful treat that requires only four ingredients. This starchy flatbread is made by combining grated cassava root, coconut milk, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. The process begins with the grating and shaping of the cassava into discs, which are then sealed in a skillet to undergo a second cooking procedure. After soaking the cassava in coconut milk, it’s fried in olive oil and seasoned with a touch of salt.
A crucial step in making bammy from scratch is draining all excess liquid from the grated cassava, as skipping this step can result in a flatbread that loses its shape. With proper preparation, bammy pairs beautifully with fish or vegetables for an authentic Jamaican experience.
Black Cake
In the heart of Jamaican cuisine, there’s a dessert that stands out – the iconic Black Cake. Its rich texture and decadent flavor are a result of rum-soaked dried fruit and spices. This indulgent treat is typically reserved for holidays and special occasions, serving as a symbol of celebration in Jamaican culture. Moreover, it’s a staple recipe across the Caribbean, cherished by many.
The distinctive strong liquor flavor stems from the careful soaking of prunes, cherries, raisins, and currants in either rum or sweet red wine. The traditional dark color is achieved through the use of browning and burnt sugar, readily available at Caribbean markets. One thing to keep in mind when making Black Cake is the time commitment required – the fruits need to soak for a minimum of 5 days, making it essential to plan ahead.
With that said, gather your loved ones and indulge in a celebration with Jamaican Black Cake!
Bulla Cake
Bulla Cakes are often paired with rich accompaniments like avocado, butter, and cheese. However, despite their name, they’re more akin to sweet rolls than traditional cakes. These flat, round loaves typically boast a robust flavor profile, which arises from the combination of molasses, ginger, and nutmeg. The level of sweetness can vary greatly depending on the type and amount of molasses used, resulting in a range of colors from light to dark.
This sweet treat has become a staple for school children, as they’re easy to transport and perfect for a quick snack. The process of creating a Bulla Cake involves combining molasses, ginger, nutmeg, flour, and baking soda to form a dough, which is then baked into the iconic rolls. Interestingly, some variations of the recipe involve filling the cakes with cheese or butter instead of topping them after baking, offering a delightful twist on this beloved sweet.
Coco Bread
When it comes to Jamaican pastries, Coco Bread stands out as a standout favorite. Its rich, buttery flavor profile, with subtle notes of sweetness, is reminiscent of flaky croissants. This delectable treat’s foundation lies in a harmonious blend of coconut milk and flour. The resulting rolls boast a satisfying crunch on the outside, giving way to a warm, soft interior that’s simply irresistible. The distinctive shape of Coco Bread also makes it an ideal canvas for creative sandwich-making.
Simply roll out small dough circles after mixing and allowing the dough to rise, then fold them in half to create a neat package perfect for filling with your favorite ingredients. A generous slathering of melted butter throughout the baking process only adds to the allure, making Coco Bread a beloved treat that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Tamarind Balls
Tamarind Balls are an iconic treat in Jamaican cuisine. The fruit’s sticky flesh is used to create a unique combination of sweet and sour flavors that has captured the hearts of many. This traditional dessert recipe has been passed down through generations, with each ball carefully crafted by mixing tamarind pulp with water, forming it into spheres, and coating them in brown sugar.
While some prefer their tamarind balls as is, others enjoy adding a spicy kick by incorporating hot chili pepper powder into the mixture. The beauty of this treat lies in its versatility – you can tailor it to your taste preferences with ease, making it a true delight for anyone who tries it.
Hard Dough Bread
Jamaican Hard Dough Bread, also known as Hardo bread, is a sturdy loaf that’s earned its reputation for standing up to fillings and sandwiches without becoming soggy. Its unique characteristics stem from a combination of ingredients, including flour, yeast, sugar, water, and salt. The presence of sugar gives the bread a subtle sweetness, while variations on the traditional recipe can add an extra layer of flavor with the use of molasses as a sweetener.
This adds a distinctive Caribbean flair to the bread, making it a popular choice for those seeking a taste of the island in their daily bread.
Dukunnu
Dukunnu, also known as blue draws or tie-a-leaf, is a distinctive Jamaican dessert that has garnered widespread attention due to its unconventional cooking process. Interestingly, this traditional treat bears some resemblance to Spanish tamales. The unique twist lies in the use of banana leaves as wrapping material and boiling as the primary cooking method.
While cornmeal is the typical base ingredient, adventurous cooks can experiment with alternative options such as cassava, sweet potato, yam, or green bananas. To add depth and warmth, Dukunnu is seasoned with a blend of traditional Jamaican spices and coconut milk, resulting in a flavor profile that is quintessentially Caribbean.
Rock Cake
Despite having one of the most unappetizing names among Jamaican dessert recipes, rock cakes are surprisingly flavorful. These treats defy their dull-sounding name by combining the best qualities of both cakes and cookies. The crunchy exterior is the result of using cold butter and flour, reminiscent of a sweet biscuit or scone. But what really sets them apart is the addition of sweet raisins or dried fruit, providing a burst of flavor and moisture with each bite.
Enjoy these delightful rock cakes with a steaming cup of tea on a chilly morning for a satisfying breakfast.
Rum Cake
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with every bite of Rum Cake, a beloved Jamaican dessert that’s as delightful as the island vibe it embodies. This moist, fluffy yellow cake boasts a rich vanilla flavor, subtly enhanced by the warmth of spiced rum. The addition of crunchy pecan topping takes it to the next level, offering a satisfying textural contrast.
While some enthusiasts opt for from-scratch recipes, others prefer the convenience of combining yellow cake mix and vanilla pudding mix – either way, you can’t go wrong!
Easter Spice Bun
The Jamaican Easter Spice Bun is a sweet bread loaf that’s just as delightful outside of the Easter season. Its unique charm lies in its highly spiced, soft texture and generous studding with fruits like raisins and cherries. While it shares some similarities with traditional hot cross buns, this sweeter take on the classic has its own distinct character.
In many Catholic households, the Easter Spice Bun is a staple during Lent, when meat is abstained from and bread takes center stage in the diet. As such, recipes for this treat have evolved over time, with some creative adaptations that showcase the bun’s rich flavor profile. The characteristic deep dark color of these buns is owed to the use of browning sugar and molasses, while others take it a step further by incorporating a stout beer like Guinness into their recipe.
Sugar Bun
In the Caribbean, Jamaican Sugar Buns are a beloved Easter tradition. While they share some similarities with Easter spice buns, these sweet treats bear more resemblance to cinnamon rolls than traditional loaves. The magic happens when you combine Jamaican sweet bread recipes with spices, browned sugar, and mixed dried fruit. To craft these island-inspired delights, start by preparing dough similar to that of a classic cinnamon roll.
Once the dough is ready, fill it with a tantalizing mixture of cinnamon, butter, brown sugar, and plump raisins. This creative twist on a traditional American treat is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Coconut Toto
Unlike most Jamaican desserts, coconut toto cake stands out with its incredibly light and airy texture. This is largely due to the incorporation of real grated coconut flakes and a blend of deep spices that add depth to each bite. Specifically, this cake is spiced with a trio of classic flavors – vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon – that work together in harmony. For added complexity, some recipes also incorporate rose water or almond essence, allowing these ingredients to take center stage.
The freshness of the coconut is undoubtedly a key factor in making this cake so delicious. To elevate your Coconut Toto game, consider sourcing high-quality coconuts from a Caribbean grocery store. What sets this recipe apart, however, is its versatility – it can be made with or without the aid of a mixer. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic and prefer to mix by hand or crave the convenience of using a machine, this cake is equally delightful either way.
Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains
Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, caramelized plantains that transport you straight to the Caribbean. This delectable treat is surprisingly easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. Simply coat sliced plantains in a mixture of brown sugar and fry them in coconut oil until golden and sticky. The result is a sweet and indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress even the most unexpected guests. And the best part?
You can have it ready in under 20 minutes, making it the perfect solution for those last-minute gatherings or impromptu get-togethers.
Sweet Potato Pudding
Immerse yourself in the tropical vibes of Jamaica while indulging in a rich and creamy Sweet Potato Pudding, paired with a refreshing glass of coconut water. The decadent blend of coconut milk, sweet potatoes, almond extract, and nutmeg will transport you to a sunny beachside haven. For optimal results, use a blender to process the sweet potatoes, but don’t worry if you’re without one – simply grate them as was traditionally done in the past.
This delightful Jamaican dessert is sure to delight, regardless of your kitchen setup.
Coconut Drops
Jamaican Coconut Drops are a beloved treat that combines traditional Caribbean flavors with sweet and spicy notes from ginger and cinnamon. The recipe begins by boiling a mixture of brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and fresh coconut until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
This classic preparation method involves scooping the cooked drops onto a surface to cool and harden, but don’t worry if you don’t have access to a banana leaf – simply use an extra sheet pan or parchment paper instead!
Grater Cake
Grater Cake, a staple of Jamaican confectionery, boasts an impressively minimalist recipe consisting of only three primary ingredients: freshly grated coconut, granulated sugar, and a touch of food coloring. This traditional pastry candy is as stunning as it is effortless to prepare, making it an ideal choice for parties or special gatherings.
For added flair, feel free to incorporate complementary flavors like ginger and vanilla, or even peppermint, allowing you to put your unique spin on this classic treat.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
The Caribbean’s vibrant essence shines in this delectable dessert, where the sweetness of fresh fruits takes center stage. A rich caramel base, infused with the warm, aromatic notes of long pepper, provides the perfect foundation for this indulgent treat. For those unfamiliar, long pepper is a cousin of black peppercorn, boasting hints of ginger, cardamom, and black pepper – its unique flavor profile adding depth to the dessert’s overall character.
A judicious blend of allspice and bay leaves further cements this dessert’s connection to the region, imbuing it with an unmistakable Caribbean flair. Whether served at a casual gathering or a grand celebration, this fluffy, fruity, bold, and buttery masterpiece is sure to win over even the most discerning palates.
Gizzada
In Jamaica, a sweet treat called Gizzada holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. This traditional dessert boasts a delicate pastry shell adorned with fluted edges, which serves as the perfect vessel for a luscious coconut filling infused with the warmth of nutmeg and brown sugar. The result is a rich and creamy delight reminiscent of pecan pie, but with its own unique island flair.
When you take a bite, the tender crust melts effortlessly in your mouth, leaving you craving more. Consider adding a touch of Jamaican culture to your next family gathering by serving this beloved pastry and watching it bring people together.
Cornmeal Pudding
Jamaican Cornmeal Pudding, affectionately known as cornmeal pone, bears a striking resemblance to its British counterpart, the steamed pudding. The addition of a luscious coconut milk glaze imbues this traditional treat with an unmistakable Caribbean flair. A testament to the versatility of cornmeal, this recipe employs the distinct qualities of yellow cornmeal, making it essential to select the right type before embarking on your Pone-making journey!
Much like other delectable Jamaican desserts, Cornmeal Pudding relies on a medley of ingredients, including rum, dried fruit, coconut milk, and an array of rich spices, all combining to create a truly unique and indulgent treat.
Banana Fritters
Imagine indulging in a sweet treat that’s equal parts donut and pancake. That’s exactly what you’ll get with our Banana Fritters – a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will satisfy your cravings any time of day. Whether you’re in the mood for a morning pick-me-up or an after-dinner dessert, these bite-sized morsels are sure to please.
The secret to their success lies in the spiced batter, which is carefully mixed until smooth before being shallow-fried to perfection in a cast-iron pan. And let’s not forget the finishing touch: a dusting of powdered sugar that adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
Plantain Tarts
Indulge in the delightful fusion of Caribbean charm and pastry perfection with Jamaican Plantain Tarts. These handheld treats, akin to hand pies or turnovers, offer a convenient dessert solution for any occasion. The process begins by stewing the spiced plantain filling until it reaches a rich, velvety texture after cooling. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
Next, the pastry dough is carefully prepared and filled with the cooled plantain mixture, creating a sweet and savory union. Finally, the tarts are baked to a golden brown perfection, yielding a crispy exterior and a tender interior that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
The bottom line
Even if a tropical getaway isn’t in the cards, you can still indulge your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of Jamaica. By incorporating sweet treats into your home kitchen routine, you’ll discover a world of textures and tastes that will quickly become staples in your dessert repertoire.
From crispy fried plantains to creamy cornmeal pudding, the possibilities are endless. Which of these mouthwatering Jamaican desserts is calling your name?
Whether you’re in the mood for something classic like Bammy or adventurous with Rock Cake, Bulla, Coco Drops, and more, this collection of 21 BEST Jamaican Desserts has got you covered.
