A Taste of Barbados: Baking Traditional Bajan Sweet Bread

There’s something magical about how food brings people together in Barbados. Whether it’s a Sunday lunch that somehow lasts till sundown or a kitchen filled with laughter, chatter, and the irresistible scent of something baking, meals here are more than food; they’re moments.

And few things capture that spirit quite like Bajan sweet bread. Moist, fragrant, and dangerously moreish, this coconut bread is at its very best warm, fresh from the oven. The smell fills the kitchen with coconut, spice, and a hint of vanilla, and each bite tastes richer, sweeter, and just… better. It’s the kind of treat that disappears fast, and everyone happily reaches for more.

A Slice of Bajan Tradition

Known affectionately as coconut bread, Bajan sweet bread is a treasured delicacy in Barbadian households. You’ll find it on Christmas tables, at family gatherings, and yes — lovingly wrapped in foil and tucked into a suitcase heading overseas. Bajans abroad know that no matter how far they roam, that first bite tastes like home.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated coconut (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup raisins or mixed dried fruit
• ¼ cup chopped cherries (optional)
• 1 teaspoon almond essence
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 cup milk — or coconut milk for a richer, more tropical twist

Local Tip: If you can’t get fresh coconut, a frozen pack works perfectly. No one will judge you if you take the easy route, but fresh is the little extra that makes it truly authentic.

How to Bake Bajan Sweet Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add coconut and fruit: Stir in grated coconut, raisins, and cherries.
4. Blend the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, almond essence, and vanilla.
5. Combine and stir: Add wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix until just combined. No overmixing needed!
6. Pour and top: Spoon into your loaf pan and sprinkle a little sugar or grated coconut on top. A few cherries on top add a fun, colourful touch.
7. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
8. Cool and enjoy: Let it rest for 10 minutes… or dive right in if you can’t resist.

This sweet bread is an easy recipe to enjoy a small taste of Barbados, bringing a touch of the island’s warmth to your kitchen.