Caribbean Recipe – Trinidad-Sweet-Bread

News Americas, NEW YORK: The Christmas season is a time for sharing – good food, good company, and a little extra kindness. As families gather around the table, it’s also a moment to remember those who may be facing the holidays alone and to extend generosity wherever we can.

Holiday entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated. Keeping meals simple – with easy appetizers, comforting sides, and a straightforward main – leaves more time for conversation, laughter, and connection. A well-roasted chicken or ham paired with a starch and fresh vegetables can be just as memorable as an elaborate spread.

And when it comes to dessert, if you didn’t get a chance to bake the traditional Caribbean black fruit cake, there’s still time to bring a taste of the islands to

your table. One beloved option is Trinidad Sweet Bread – a simple, festive holiday treat that delivers all the flavor and warmth of Christmas, without the fuss.

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Trinidad Sweet Bread

To make Trinidad Sweet Bread, start by preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing two loaf pans. Blend together butter, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, and almond extract. In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and cinnamon, then add this to the wet ingredients and mix. Stir in shredded coconut, chopped dried fruit, and raisins until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the loaves to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Trinidad

Keyword Trinidad Sweet Bread

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 4 People

Ingredients

1/2 pound butter softened

4 1/2 cups white sugar

4 eggs beaten

1 cup evaporated milk

2 teaspoons almond extract

9 cups all-purpose flour

9 tablespoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

6 cups shredded coconut

1 cup chopped dried mixed fruit

1 cup raisins

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Grease two 5x9 inch loaf pans and set aside.

Blend together the butter, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk and almond extract.

Sift together the flour, baking powder and cinnamon.

Add to wet ingredients and stir.

Add coconut, coarsely mixed dry chopped fruit and raisins.

Mix well and pour into prepared loaf tins.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove from pans and cool on wire rack.

By Minna LaFortune

Bon Appetite and a Merry and safe Christmas to you and your family!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Minna LaFortune is a trained Caribbean caterer and also president, Society for the Advancement of the Caribbean Diaspora (SACD). Check out her food group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/bestfoodscaribbean/