Published:
Oct 29th 2021
by 
Nutritionally reviewed by 
Last updated: Sep 23rd 2025
This recipe for Jamaican Bun and Cheese offers a delightful combination of sweet, spiced bun and creamy cheese, making it a beloved snack during Easter celebrations, similarly to hot crossed buns. The unique use of molasses and local spices gives the bun its rich flavor and moist texture. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this traditional dish captures the essence of Jamaican cuisine and is ideal for any occasion.
The cheese most commonly used in this recipe is another local Jamaican product known as Tastee Cheese which is a bright orange, canned, processed cheddar cheese known for its thick, rich, salty flavor.
This recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and spiced flavors, making it a versatile treat for any occasion. It's easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week. The combination of rich ingredients ensures a satisfying experience that captures the essence of Jamaican cuisine.
Key nutrients
- Protein: from Tastee cheese and egg — supports muscle maintenance and helps keep you full.
- Calcium: from Tastee cheese — important for bone health and nerve function.
- Fiber: from raisins, mixed peel, and flour — aids digestion and supports gut health.
- Iron: from all-purpose flour and raisins — helps transport oxygen in the blood.
- B vitamins: from stout, egg, and flour — help convert food into energy.
Why it matters
- Including fruit and spices adds flavor and some antioxidants.
- Dairy ingredients contribute key minerals like calcium.
- Whole grains or added fruit can boost fiber for digestive support.
Balance & portion
Aim for a balanced plate (vegetables, protein, smart carbs). Choose portions that fit your needs.
What to watch
- Added sugars — brown sugar, jam, and dried fruit increase sweetness; enjoy in moderation.
- Saturated fat — cheese and butter add richness but also saturated fat; balance with lighter meals.
- Sodium — processed cheese can be high in sodium; consider your overall intake.
- Alcohol content — stout and brandy are used; most cooks off but some may remain.
Make it even better
- Swap some all-purpose flour for whole wheat to increase fiber content.
- Use reduced-fat cheese to lower saturated fat if desired.
- Add chopped nuts for healthy fats and extra crunch.
- Pair with fresh fruit or a salad for added vitamins and balance.
General nutrition information only; verify labels and consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.
References
- EatRight.org — Essential Nutrients - For general nutrient roles and healthy eating patterns.
- CDC — Nutrition Facts - For evidence-based nutrition guidance on sugars, fats, and sodium.
Best fit
- Vegetarian: Contains dairy and eggs, with no meat, poultry, or fish.
Use with caution / avoid
- Added sugars: Brown sugar and jam increase sweetness; limit if reducing sugar intake.
- Refined flour: Uses all-purpose flour; not suitable for gluten-free or whole grain diets.
- Saturated fat: Includes butter and processed cheese; limit if watching saturated fat.
- Alcohol: Contains stout and cherry brandy; avoid if abstaining from alcohol.
Helpful modifications
- Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add fiber and nutrients.
- Use reduced-fat cheese to lower saturated fat content.
- Replace brown sugar with a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version.
- Omit alcohol and use fruit juice for a non-alcoholic option.
Pair with: Fresh fruit or a green salad to add fiber and balance the meal.
General nutrition information only; verify labels and consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.
Contains: milk, egg, wheat/gluten.
-
Milk
Where it appears: Tastee Cheese (processed cheese), unsalted butter.
Swap: Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based butter alternatives.
-
Egg
Where it appears: Whole egg in the batter.
Swap: Replace with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute.
-
Wheat/Gluten
Where it appears: All-purpose flour.
Swap: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Notes are based on the listed ingredients; always verify brand labels and local regulations. Swaps may require adjusting cook time and steps; the original recipe isn’t tailored to substitutions.
References
- FDA — Food Allergies - For information on the major food allergens in the US.
Clean
- Wash hands with soap and water before handling ingredients.
- Clean all mixing bowls, utensils, and surfaces before use.
- Rinse fruits like mixed peel if needed before adding to the batter.
Separate
- Keep raw eggs away from ready-to-eat foods and surfaces.
- Use separate utensils for raw and cooked ingredients.
Cook
- Bake the bun until a toothpick comes out clean to ensure doneness.
- Eggs in the recipe should be fully cooked in the finished bun.
Chill
- Cool leftovers completely, then refrigerate within 2 hours.
- Store cheese in the refrigerator until ready to serve with the bun.
References
- CDC — Four Steps to Food Safety - General food safety guidance for home cooks.
- FoodSafety.gov - Safe cooking and storage practices for baked goods and eggs.
- Jamaican bun and cheese is a classic Easter treat, enjoyed year-round for its sweet and savory combination.
- The bun’s deep color comes from browning sauce and molasses, giving it a rich, distinctive look and taste.
- Soaking dried fruit in brandy or juice keeps the bun moist and infuses extra flavor into every bite.
- Tastee Cheese, a processed cheddar, is the traditional pairing, balancing the bun’s sweetness with creamy saltiness.
Name & origins
This recipe is rooted in Jamaican culinary tradition, especially popular during Easter celebrations across the island.
Ingredient spotlight
- Browning: Adds deep color and subtle caramel notes to the bun.
- Mixed peel: Provides bursts of citrusy flavor and chewy texture.
- Tastee Cheese: Creamy, salty cheese that perfectly complements the sweet, spiced bread.
Technique tidbit
Soaking raisins in brandy hydrates them, preventing dryness and ensuring even distribution of flavor throughout the bun.
Before you start
- Gather all ingredients for this recipe to streamline the process.
- Preheat the oven to ensure even baking throughout.
- Soak raisins in cherry brandy overnight for optimal flavor.
During cooking
- Look for a golden-brown crust to indicate proper baking.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bun light and fluffy.
Make-ahead & storage
- Prepare the batter a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Reheat slices in the oven to restore freshness and warmth.
Common mistakes
- Overbaking → Check for doneness early to prevent dryness.
- Using cold ingredients → Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for best results.
Serve with
- Warm slices of this recipe alongside a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes.
- A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the sweetness.
- Pair with a tangy fruit salsa for a refreshing contrast.
Toppings & textures
- Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a hint of heat.
Occasions
- This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or casual family meals.
Substitutions
- If you lack Fernandez Cherry Brandy, use fruit-flavored brandy or rum with cherry juice for a similar fruity note.
- For a healthier option, swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber, though it may be denser.
- If Tastee cheese isn't available, sharp cheddar cheese can provide a tangy contrast to the sweet bun.
Variations
- In some regions, coconut milk is added for a richer flavor and moistness, enhancing the bun's tropical essence.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the soft bun and creamy cheese.
Refrigerate
- Cool the loaf completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best flavor and texture.
Freeze
- Freezing not recommended as the texture may change upon thawing.
Reheat
- Reheat slices in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
- Add a splash of water to keep the bun moist while reheating.
Repurpose ideas
- Use leftover bun to make a sweet bread pudding with custard.
- Transform slices into French toast for a delicious breakfast treat.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a tender texture to the bun, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Dragon or Guinness Stout: Provides a deep, malty flavor that pairs well with the spices, contributing to moistness.
- Fernandez Cherry Brandy: Offers a fruity undertone and sophistication, complementing the sweet elements.
- Guava Jam: Adds tropical sweetness and slight tartness, enriching the flavor profile.
- Mixed Essence: Enhances aroma and taste with a blend of vanilla, almond, and other essences.
- Browning: Contributes a rich color and subtle caramelized flavor, giving the bun its characteristic look.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent, holding ingredients together while adding moisture and structure.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses, enhancing the bun’s rich flavor and moist texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough, providing structure and stability to the bun.
- Nutmeg: Adds warm, nutty spice that enhances overall flavor complexity.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors of other ingredients.
- Cinnamon: Contributes sweet and spicy warmth, key in this recipe's flavor profile.
- Allspice: Enriches the spice profile with flavors of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Baking Powder: Helps the bun rise, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- Mixed Peel: Provides bursts of citrusy flavor and slight chewiness for added texture.
- Raisins: Add natural sweetness and pleasant chew, complementing spices and fruits.
- Tastee Cheese: The creamy cheese balances the sweetness of the bun for an authentic experience.
- Guava Jam: Used again to create a syrup for brushing over the warm loaf while cooling.
- Water: Helps dissolve guava jam into a syrup consistency for glazing.
What kind of cheese is used in Jamaican Bun and Cheese?
Tastee Cheese, otherwise known as canned cheese, is a bright orange-processed cheese that is similar to American cheese, but thicker in texture. Any cheese will work well as the spices in the bun pair well with cheese.
What is the best substitute for Tastee Cheese?
Sharp cheddar cheese is an excellent alternative, providing a similar tangy and creamy flavor.
Can I make the bun without alcohol?
Yes, replace cherry brandy with fruit juice like orange or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
How can I ensure my bun stays moist?
Soak the dried fruits overnight and avoid overbaking the loaf.
Time & Serves
Ingredients
2 ounces Unsalted Butter - Room temperature
1 Bottle Dragon or Guinness Stout
120 ml Fernandez Cherry Brandy
1 tablespoon Guava Jam
1 teaspoon Mixed Essence
½ tablespoon Browning
1 Egg - Room temperature
200 grams Brown Sugar
454 grams All Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Nutmeg
¼ teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Allspice
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
115 grams Mixed Peel - chopped
115 grams Raisins
1 Can Tastee Cheese
2 tablespoons Guava Jam
2 tablespoons Water
Instructions
Soak the raisins in a bowl with the cherry brandy overnight to fully hydrate the fruit.
Preheat the oven to 350 °F/180 °C and place the rack in the middle of the range.
Grease a loaf pan, and set it aside for later.
Mix the flour, nutmeg, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and baking powder in one large bowl.
Mix the butter, stout, guava jam, mixed essence, browning, and egg in a separate large bowl.
Blend the sugar into the mixture until fully dissolved.
Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
Fold in the mixed peel and soak the raisins, making sure to distribute them within the batter evenly.
Pour into the loaf pan, place in the center of the oven, bake for 45 minutes, and test by poking a toothpick into the loaf; if it removes cleanly with no batter on end, it’s ready. If not, bake for another 15 minutes and test again.
Once the loaf is ready, remove it from the oven and place it on a cooling rack for 20 minutes before serving.
Slice and serve with a slice of Tastee Cheese and enjoy.
Using a saucepan, dissolve the jam in the water until a syrup consistency, then brush over the top of the warm loaf while cooling.
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