Treat Yourself to a Caribbean Delight: Bajan Sweet Bread

Are you looking to switch up the usual weekend baking routine? If so, consider heading south of the border and creating a Bajan Sweet Bread! This delicious and unique recipe takes elements of traditional Italian desserts and gives it a distinctly Caribbean twist.

A mouth watering combination of sweet raisins, fluffy dough and a hint of cinnamon does more than just awaken your taste buds. The flavors, aromas and textures come together to create a wonderfully pleasant sensory experience. You can also take pleasure in knowing that this scrumptious treat is steeped in Caribbean culinary traditions, having been perfected by Barbadian women for centuries.

Creating Your Own Bajan Sweet Bread

  • 500g all-purpose flour
  • 65g caster sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 7g quick action yeast
  • pinch of salt
  • 250ml lukewarm milk
  • 50ml melted butter
  • 3 tablespoons of golden raisins
  • 2 tablespoons of crystal sugar

    • Baking Instructions

    1. Mix 250g flour, sugar, cinnamon, yeast, salt and milk in a bowl.
    2. Add in the melted butter and remaining flour. Mix together until a soft dough forms.
    3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover and place the dough in a warm area for 1 hour or until it’s doubled in size.
    4. Once the dough has risen, knead it for a few minutes and then divide it into two pieces.
    5. Roll out each piece on a floured work surface until it’s about 16cm in diameter and around 0.5cm thick.
    6. Sprinkle one tablespooon of golden raisins over each piece, then roll the dough up like a Swiss roll.
    7. Shape each roll into a wreath-like circle and place on a greased baking tray.
    8. Brush the top of each loaf with a little milk and sprinkle the crystal sugar over them.
    9. Bake in the oven at 180°C for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
    10. Allow the Bajan Sweet Bread to cool before serving.

    Your homemade sweet bread is now ready to enjoy! Serve it fresh or toasted with a scoop of butter, a bowl of soup or even a serving of ice cream. For an extra treat, why not think about adding some extra steamed milk and cinnamon to your plate?

    So, trade in your regular Sunday scones and indulge in the exciting, exotic flavors of the Caribbean with a plate of Bajan Sweet Bread. You won’t regret it!