How to make Trinidad Sweet Bread

Calendar icon Published: Jan 3rd 2021 by Narandradath Jaikaran
Clock icon Last updated: Dec 15th 2024
Read time: 4 mins
Cuisine:
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Front shot of Trinidad Sweet Bread

Trinidad Sweet Bread is a beloved Caribbean treat, packed with coconut, dried fruits, and warm spices. Popular during festive seasons like Christmas and Easter, this delicious bread is enjoyed year-round as a snack or breakfast dish. Made with fragrant coconut milk and flavored with nutmeg and cinnamon, every slice of Trini Sweet Bread offers a taste of tradition with a tropical twist. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying it with your morning coffee, this sweet bread is sure to become a favorite.

This Trinidad Sweet Bread combines sweet, tropical flavors with comforting spices, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive holiday or craving a sweet snack, the mix of coconut, dried fruits, and spices creates a rich, flavorful bread that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

  • Ensure your ingredients, especially coconut, are fresh for the best flavor.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure it holds its shape.
  • To get an even richer flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract along with coconut essence.

Serve slices of Trinidad Sweet Bread warm with a spread of butter or a dollop of fruit preserves. It pairs well with coffee or a hot cup of tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.

  • Substitute dried cherries or raisins with cranberries for a tart twist.
  • If you’re out of coconut essence, use vanilla extract as a substitute.
  • Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk instead of evaporated milk and a dairy-free butter alternative.
  • You can also add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture.

Store your Trinidad Sweet Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and enjoy!

  • Flour: Provides the base for the bread, giving it structure.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and achieve a light texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the spices and fruits.
  • Mixed Peel and Cherries: Adds a sweet, fruity tang to the bread.
  • Grated Coconut: The key ingredient that gives this bread its tropical flavor.
  • Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices enhance the warm, comforting flavor.
  • Evaporated Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
  • Coconut Essence: Boosts the coconut flavor to create an authentic tropical taste.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the bread.

Can I make Trinidad Sweet Bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent.

What other fruits can I use in Trini Sweet Bread?

You can replace the mixed peel and cherries with dried cranberries, apricots, or even pineapple for a different fruity flavor.

Can I make Trinidad Sweet Bread without coconut?

While coconut is key to the traditional flavor, you can omit it and replace it with more dried fruits or nuts for texture.

How to Make Trinidad Sweet Bread

To make Trinidad Sweet Bread, start by sifting flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add sugar, dried mixed peel, cherries, raisins, and grated coconut, mixing thoroughly. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with evaporated milk, coconut essence, and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky batter forms. Divide the batter between two greased loaf pans and bake at 325°F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.

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Time & Serves

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
60 mins
Total Time
75 mins
Serves
25 persons

Ingredients

  • 4 1⁄2 cups Flour

  • 4 1⁄2 teaspoons Baking Powder

  • 1 teaspoon Salt

  • 2 1⁄4 cups Granulated Sugar

  • 3⁄4 cup Chopped Dried Mixed Peel

  • 1⁄2 cup Chopped Cherries

  • 1 cup Raisins

  • 3 cups Grated Coconut

  • 1⁄4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

  • 1⁄4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

  • 2 Eggs

  • 1⁄2 cup Evaporated Milk

  • 2 teaspoons Coconut Essence

  • 1⁄2 lb melted Butter

Instructions

Sift the flour with baking powder and salt.

Add sugar and fruits followed by coconut as well as ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly.

Whip the eggs in a separate bowl and whisk in the milk as well as the coconut essence and melted butter.

Make a dent in the flour and pour the egg mixture in. Stir until combined. The consistency of the batter should be sticky and fairly stiff.

Divide the batter into 2 greased bread pans (9x5) and bake for 50-60 minutes at 325 F (160 C) until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Narandradath Jaikaran
Author:
Cake Engineer & Bakery Consultant

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